Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsfield, MA Berkshire Permit No. 19

JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT Vol. 26, No. 5 Sivan/Tammuz 5778 May 29 to July 1, 2018 jewishberkshires.org

A Strong Federation is Key to a Dive Into Summer Strong Jewish Community A particularly rich season of Jewish-themed arts The Berkshires is Home and cultural programming ahead

Berkshire snowbirds are notorious culture vultures, and as summer and summer people return, so does the complete array of world class arts programming that is this region’s hallmark. Dive into this issue of the BJV, in which we preview upcoming Jewish-themed arts and educational events – books, films, scholars, theater, music, and dance. Above, dancers with Israel’s Batsheva – The Young Ensemble, which will perform “Naharin’s Virus” from July 4 through July 8 at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Bernie and Elaine Roberts, our Major Donors Celebration co-chairs Festival in Becket. For more on what to expect from Batsheva, please see page 28.

PITTSFIELD – The Jewish Federation Inside of the Berkshires will host its annual Extend a Hand of Companionship...... 2 Major Donors Celebration on Sunday, July 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the Country Martin Bookspan on his pal, Rabbi Josh – A Farewell Blessing...... 3 Club of Pittsfield, an event that year Your Federation Presents...... 4-11 after year has demonstrated the tre- “Lenny” mendous impact major donors have on Local News...... 12-14, 18 building and sustaining Jewish life in A “Behind the Scenes” reminiscence of a Annual Campaign in Full Swing...... 15 the region. 50-year friendship at the June 29 “We are thrilled that we have such Culture & Arts...... 24-28 Knosh & Knowledge MAJOR DONORS, continued on page 8 By Albert Stern / BJV Editor

Leonard Bernstein As I prepared to talk with viewed Yehuda Hanani (see story classical music historian, broad- on page 8), who recounted how his caster, and aficionado supreme talent was recognized by Bernstein Martin Bookspan – the longtime (and violinist Isaac Stern) on a visit host of the Live at Lincoln Center to Israel, ultimately leading to the PBS program who will be speaking Jerusalem-raised cellist’s coming about his 50-year friendship with to the United States to study his Leonard Bernstein at a special free instrument. Later that same day, Knosh & Knowledge at Tanglewood my 11-year-old son performed in on June 29 – I had a striking “six his middle school concert band degrees of separation” realization with two daughters of the late Rolf about “Lenny,” one of the true mu- Smedvig, who at age 19 was chosen sical titans of the 20th century. by Bernstein as trumpet soloist As I sat at my desk listening to for the 1971 world premiere of his Bernstein’s First Symphony composition Mass in Washington, (“Jeremiah”), I thought about how DC. just one day earlier, I had inter- BOOKSPAN, continued on page 6 Page 2 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 In My View “Friendly Visitors” – A New Program to Extend a Hand of Companionship to Our Elders By Dara Kaufman

The morning my grandmother was scheduled With Community kosher lunch program, Kosher Meals on Wheels, and the com- to move out of the home she had shared with my munity social worker are all vital links in helping hundreds of community mem- grandfather since moving to the Berkshires many bers age in place with dignity. Joe’s Project, which brings holiday care packages years earlier, she received a call from the hospi- and visits to hundreds of seniors twice a year, is a favorite among seniors and our tal notifying her that her husband, my beloved volunteers. But we can do more. grandpa Philip, had passed away. As our local population continues to age, we have seen isolation and loneliness She went forward with the move that day, become an increasing problem. Many community members can no longer get out amidst all the heartache and chaos associated of the house as easily as they used to. They miss the regular companionship of with losing her beloved spouse of over 50 years. I family and friends. We know that something a simple as a weekly friendly visit was living in Israel at the time, but would make all the difference in bringing joy I remember later thinking that de- and connection to their lives. spite the incredibly emotional and Volunteer qualifications are To this end, the Federation is launching a difficult transition it must have simple – if you are reliable, new “Friendly Visitors” program. Working in been, she was probably better off partnership with Elder Services of Berkshire in an assisted living facility. compassionate, a good listener, County, volunteers for our Jewish community When my husband and I moved back to the Berkshires, picking will be matched with at-home seniors from our up Grandma Betty (‘Bubbe,’ as my son Yonaton called her), and and sensitive to the needs of community. Together, they will plan their vis- bringing her for dinner at our house or to TJ Maxx (her favorite older adults, you will make a iting schedule and choose how to spend their place) or just visiting with her were regular activities in our weekly time. Activities could include conversation, lis- schedule. During our time in Israel, we had made similar weekly great visitor! tening to music, playing cards, doing a puzzle, visits to my husband Ofer’s grandmother, Shoshana. or just taking a walk outside. As I hear from many of our program attendees, it is hard to get Volunteer qualifications are simple. If you old – and some use harsher language to describe it. I have come to understand are reliable, compassionate, a good listener, and sensitive to the needs of older just how true that is. Many older residents, especially those who have lived here adults, you will make a great visitor! Training and support will be provided in for many years, are not as lucky as my grandmother was. There are many individ- conjunction with Elder Services and the Federation’s social worker, Marie Tiffa- uals aging in their homes, all too often without local family support. For some, it ny. More details on this new program can be found in the ad on page 14 – and is because that is what they want to do. But for many it is a financial issue. They feel free to call the Federation and speak to Susan Frisch Lehrer, our volunteer simply do not have the resources to move into an assisted living facility or to go coordinator. south to escape the bitter Berkshire winter. I think about my grandmother and I recognize the struggles she faced aging The Berkshires has long seen a graying of its population. It was an inevitable alone in her later years. I am grateful that my family and I were close by, and that result of years of job and population loss, coupled with aging baby boomers and she had easy access to activities and a community of people. I am also grateful younger people who have gravitated to the urban centers. With a median age of that we have an organization like Federation, as well as caring supporters and 44, the Berkshires is already older, on average, than any other area of the state, volunteers who will now be able to bring the community and the activities to except for Cape Cod. According to the Donahue Institute of the University of those who can no longer easily access it. Massachusetts, by 2030, people over age 50 will constitute an estimated 60 percent of the population in most Berkshire County communities. Dara Kaufman is the executive director of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Federation has long worked to support this demographic. Our Connecting

Letters to the Editor

Heartfelt Thanks for Our Volunteers’ Tremendous Goodwill

Dear Wonderful Volunteers: On Good Deeds Day in April, you all gave the residents of Pine Hill at Kimball Farms such a wonderful afternoon, with music, a therapy dog, flowers, artistic fund, and singing – and hamen- taschen! People are still speaking about it, and said: “You should definitely have them come back!” and “Book them again!” We are so grateful for your overflowing gen- erosity. You inspire all of us with your kindness and tremendous goodwill. Loving thanks from the residents and staff of Pine Hill. Your warmth made our day and then some. You did good!

Sharon Lazerson Scenes from Good Deeds Day at Pine Hill, April 17. Community Outreach Coordinator for Kimball Farms

ADDITIONAL LETTERS on page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Berkshire Jewish Voice welcomes signed letters on subjects of interest to the Jewish community. Letters are printed upon space availability. The BJV reserves Thank you volunteers Ellen Rosenblatt and the BJV delivery team, the right to edit all letters for content, length, and style. The BJV does not print Michael Albert, Jeff Kramer, Roman Rozenblyum, and Ron Turbin anonymous letters, insults, libelous or defamatory statements. Published letters do not represent the views of the Federation, its board of directors, or the newspaper, but rather express the views of their authors. For verification purposes, please in- clude full name, home address, and a day and evening telephone number. Send CORRECTION: In the last issue of the BJV, artist Tanya Fredman’s letters to: Berkshire Jewish Voice, 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, or email: name was misspelled. Her website is www.tanyafredman.com. [email protected]. Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 3 Rabbi Reflections A Farewell Blessing By Rabbi Josh Breindel

Having served as rabbi of Temple Anshe In many ways, the unique- Amunim for almost a decade, I realize that part The uniqueness of my time in ness of my time in the Berk- of my heart is always going to be in the Berk- the Berkshires was rooted in shires was rooted in my sense shires. that I was deeply connected When I first arrived in Pittsfield, I hadn’t my sense that I was deeply to the Jewish community as a expected that this city would be my home for the whole. This is a rare gift: few next nine years. Up until that point, my life had connected to the Jewish rabbis are invited with warmth largely been defined by my studies and work in community as a whole. and respect into neighboring Providence and Boston. When I was ordained in congregations. Here, I have 2009 at the age of 33, I was a little daunted by This is a rare gift. always felt welcome in every the prospect of leaving home to start a new chap- aspect of Jewish life – it is a ter in the Berkshires. tribute to the strength of our Stephanie and I were initially drawn to West- community and its commitment to klal Yisrael (the totality of the Jewish people). ern Massachusetts by the promise of a vibrant But the greatest blessing that I have found in the Berkshires has been with arts community and the allure of its natural my beloved congregation: Temple Anshe Amunim. From my first days here, I was beauty. Even in our first weeks here, we were delighted to find both of these in guided by my teacher and friend, Rabbi Harold Salzmann. He helped me come to abundance. I began to relax – maybe there was more to life than convenient ac- appreciate the unique legacy of a community about to celebrate its 150th anniver- cess to Trader Joe’s! sary – a superb milestone! While I had expected to find job satisfaction in my first pulpit, I hadn’t expect- Anshe has been my spiritual home for almost a decade. I found a loving, re- ed to fall deeply in love with the congregation, the broader community, and the spectful, and appreciative community that offered me great blessings. Together, region as a whole. Although I was an active participant in the Jewish life of both we explored new rituals and engaged with Jewish texts (from the most ancient to Providence and the greater Boston area, I found unique blessings in the Jewish the most modern). We grew closer in times of joy, such as when my children were community of the Berkshires that have been enduring sources of inspiration. born. And as honored members of our temple family passed away, we held each The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires is one of the jewels of our community. other in times of grief. My love for my temple family is both profound and endur- Its commitment to nurturing and supporting young and old alike is a profound ing. gift. From camperships to scholarships, from the kosher hot lunch program to The decision to move on from Anshe and from the Jewish community of the community events, the Federation enriches us all. Berkshires was one of the most difficult choices that I have ever made. I knew More than just an institution, the Federation impressed me with its focus on that leaving would be painful for our members and for my family and me. Al- community-building. At Shabbat Across the Berkshires and havdallah events, though these were important considerations, I ultimately decided to accept the we sang and prayed together, learning to appreciate the many ways in which offer to serve as the next rabbi for Congregation Beth El (Sudbury, MA). Judaism can be celebrated. In (thankfully) rare moments of anti-Semitism and There were many factors that led me to the decision to return to Boston’s community crisis, Federation often took the lead in addressing these concerns. MetroWest region. First, I was excited at the opportunity to be close to friends and Equally important, Federation encouraged us to work together, across the denom- extended family in Providence, Boston, and Portland. Moreover, I was intrigued inational spectrum, to engage in the holy work of maintaining our diverse com- by the ability to connect with the community and scholarly initiatives at Hebrew munities. College (my alma mater) and the Boston region as a whole. Lastly, I knew that I’ve found additional blessing in partnering with my counterparts in the lead- joining the professional team at Beth El would give me the opportunity to grow in ership of the Jewish community. At a recent rabbis’ lunch in Lenox, I shared with new ways; having served in my first pulpit for these many years, I realized that my colleagues how good it felt to be part of such a robust and dynamic team. On this was an opportunity to gain new skills as a rabbi. more occasions that I can remember, we’ve covered one another’s pulpits, advised While I am looking forward to this next chapter in my career, the past few each other in difficult times and celebrated special milestones and accomplish- months have been painful. Although I do not regret my choice, I still mourn the ments. loss of all that we have shared together. This is where I first learned to be a rabbi. The sense of connection that I’ve found with other rabbis and cantors has This is where Stephanie and I learned to be parents. And this is where I learned often extended to their congregations, as well. As news of my departure began the true value of a vibrant Jewish community. to spread through the region, I was pulled aside by a dear member of another As I shared with you at the start of this letter, I know that part of my heart synagogue. She hugged me and shared words that I’ve held close to my heart. “We is always going to be in the Berkshires. I will always treasure the lessons that I all know that you’re Anshe’s rabbi,” she told me, earnestly. “But we want you to learned with you in this beautiful place. My rabbinate – and my heart – have been know that we feel that you’re everyone’s rabbi, too!” enriched by your trust and care. My dear friends, I pray that our paths will cross in the future. I pray that we will come together, in times to come, to celebrate in health and with joy. And I pray that the memories of all that we have shared together will be an enduring source of blessing in the years to come. Berkshire L’shalom, Rabbi Josh Breindel JA ewishpublicationA publication ofof the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires,V the Berkshires serving and surrounding the ice Berkshires NY, CT and VT and surrounding NY, CT and VT The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires wishes Rabbi Josh, Stephanie, Eliana, The color photography in this issue of the Berkshire Jewish and Elijah nothing but happiness in the future. Voice is made possible through the generosity of Ilya and Kate Prizel, honorary publishers. The staff of the Federation and the BJV are deeply grateful.

Berkshire

JAewish publicationA publication of of the the Jewish Jewish Federation Federation of the Berkshires, of the serving Berkshires, V the Berkshires serving and surrounding the ice Berkshires NY, CT and and VT surrounding NY, CT and VT

Published nine times a year by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

Dara Kaufman: Publisher and Managing Editor Ilya and Kate Prizel: Honorary Publishers Albert Stern: Editor Rose Tannenbaum: Graphic Design and Layout Jenny Greenfeld: Advertising Sales Representative and Assistant Editor

Editorial opinions expressed in the Berkshire Jewish Voice are those of the newspaper and not those of any individual. Signed editorials do not represent the view of the newspaper, but rather express the writer’s view. The Berkshire Jewish Voice is under no obligation to accept any advertisement. It does not guarantee the kashrut of any merchandise or service advertised. To have the BJV mailed to your home, please send a minimum donation of $18 Next issue publication date: July 2-August 19, 2018 Press deadline:May 30, 2018 • Advertising deadline: June 13, 2018 Berkshire Jewish Voice e-mail: [email protected] Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent the opinions of Phone: (413) 442-4360, ext. 11 Fax (413) 443-6070 the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires or its members. Page 4 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 Your Federation Presents

The Art and Science of Celebrate Our Work Together Medical Music Federation’s Annual Meeting Welcomes the Ethiopian National Project On Thursday, May 31 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish LENOX – Starting at 7 p.m. on Federation of the Berkshires Tuesday, June 19, the Jewish hosts Andrew Schulman, Federation of the Berkshires author of Waking The Spirit: will celebrate its 78th annual A Musician’s Journey Heal- meeting at the Seven Hills Inn, ing Body, Mind, and Soul 40 Plunkett Street in Lenox, and a professional musician hosted by owners Robin since 1975. His topic is “The Gerson Wong and Denis Wong. Art and Science of Medical The meeting is free and Music.” This free program at open to the entire Berkshire Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Jewish community. A cele- in Pittsfield, is part of the bratory reception on the patio Federation’s Connecting With will precede a short business Andrew Schulman Community series. meeting and featured program, In 2009, when Andrew “From the Plains of Africa Schulman was 57 years old Medical Center) in developing to the Hub of Hi-Tech,” with and a professional musician the specialty called Medical graduates of the Ethiopian in New York City for 35 years, Musician. That is the story National Project. he underwent major surgery at told in his book and what he Federation President Judy Beth Israel Hospital. Compli- will talk about in his appear- Usow will speak about the cations ensued and he had a ance here. current state of the Federa- near death experience. Mi- tion, while Dara Kaufman will and economic gaps creat- Outreach Center in Afula raculously, his life was saved deliver the Executive Director’s IF YOU GO ed many challenges in their provides a home away from because his wife played his Report. During the meeting, Sponsor: Jewish Federation absorption, especially for the home for more than 150 Ethi- favorite music for him when outgoing members of the of the Berkshires / Connecting younger generation. opian-Israeli youth, providing he was in a coma. Federation board will be recog- With Community Over the past 12 years, the them with a safe space and The experience led to his nized for their contributions, a Venue: Knesset Israel ENP, with its focus on educa- leadership activities that allow pioneering work with Dr. new board will be elected, and tion and empowerment, has them to become active par- Marvin McMillen (who is now a Date & Time: Thursday, May 31 the Simkin Schiller College changed the face of scholas- ticipants in their community. senior physician at Berkshire at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Scholarship will be presented. (see page 20). tic performance of Ethiopian ENP’s empowerment programs “From the Plains of Africa to Israeli schoolchildren, giving provide leadership training them the basic foundation and other essential skills to the Hub of Hi-Tech” they need for success. Today, ensure that parents and lead- Special guests from the ENP participants are matric- ers within Afula’s Ethiopian Affiliate with a Congregation. Ethiopian National Project ulating at rates higher than Israeli community are fully You, the congregation, and the Jewish community benefit when you do. (ENP) will share how the the country average and are involved in the future of their Berkshire Jewish community becoming a driving force in community and in their local • YOU GET the Jewish enrichment and spiritual nour- has helped to bridge the social, helping their families and municipalities. ishment you are seeking. economic, and cultural gaps communities thrive. ENP is a partnership that exist for the next gen- Approximately 3,500 res- between the Jewish Federa- • YOU GET the rabbinical support you need in times eration of Ethiopian Jews in idents of Afula/Gilboa – the tions of North America, the of joy and sorrow. Israel. Attendees will hear the region in northern Israel with Government of Israel, repre- inspiring, yet challenging, story which our Federation main- sentatives of Ethiopian Jewish • YOU RECONNECT with your community and your of a modern-day exodus, and tains a Partnership2Gether community organizations, the Jewish roots. find out more about how our relationship – are of Ethiopian Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), local dollars work to change • YOU CAN PARTICIPATE in a variety of services, heritage. The ENP Scholastic the American Jewish Joint lives with this longtime Assistance Program (SPACE) Distribution Committee in classes, and programs that keep Judaism alive and Federation partner. in Afula serves 213 children Israel (JDC-Israel), and Keren flourishing in Berkshire County. Today, of the nearly and works to increase the Hayesod-UIA. 140,000 Ethiopian Jews living • THE CONGREGATION IS THE INSTITUTION number of students that take For more information about in Israel, two-thirds of them the bagrut (matriculation) our annual meeting, please that has sustained the Jewish people for two millenia were born in Ethiopia, where exams through small tutor- call (413) 442-4360, ext. 10. throughout the world. Orthodox, Conservative, Re- most lived in huts and worked ing workshops. SPACE Youth constructionist, or Reform, the Jewish community as shepherds or farmers. Coordinators offer social and wins when you join the congregation of your choice. The community as a whole emotional support in attempts has struggled to integrate to reduce high school dropout Donate into Israel’s modern hi-tech rates, strengthen students’ • The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires society over the years since motivations to study, and fos- the first covert airlift brought Volunteer encourages you to affiliate. ter a sense of community by 8,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel organizing cultural and social • during Operation Moses in activities. 1984. The vast cultural, social, In addition, ENP’s Youth Make a Difference

Letters to the Editor, continued from page 2

An Ongoing Partnership to Combat Bias Just in Time for Passover Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: Dear Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: On behalf of ADL New community initiatives, such mission to “stop the defama- I am writing to thank you the holiday times, and by that England, we want to express as the “Courageous Conver- tion of the Jewish people and on behalf of the women, chil- support their decisions to our utmost gratitude to the sations” forum in Pittsfield, to secure justice and fair treat- dren, and staff of the Haifa leave their abusive homes. Jewish Federation of the Berk- provide families with resourc- ment for all,” we are incredi- Women’s Crisis Shelter for This year, 71 women and shires for its 2018 grant of es and strategies to foster a bly proud to have the Federa- your generous donation. 93 children were treated at the $5,000, as well as for its con- bias-free home environment tion as a partner in providing Your donation came right Shelter. In addition, four women tinued generosity and support and empower their children to anti-bias education programs on time – before Passover. and their children resided at through the years. recognize and report anti- to the public, protecting our We used half of it ($1,000) the transitional dwelling we op- With this generous funding, Semitism and all other forms civil rights, and advocating to celebrate Passover by erate. We are proud that most ADL will work with members of prejudice and actively on behalf of those whose civil buying special food for holi- of the women choose to go to a of the Berkshire County Su- promote respect for religious, rights are violated. day meals. The remainder of non-violent environment when perintendents’ Roundtable to racial, cultural, and other hu- With great appreciation for your donation will be used to they leave the Shelter, and we facilitate implementation man differences. your ongoing support, celebrate Rosh Hashanah and hope they will not be victims in of anti-bias professional de- ADL stands ready to assist Sukkot in the Shelter during the future. velopment training for K–12 Berkshire County schools and Robert O. Trestan the fall. educators and anti-bias peer communities in responding Regional Director The holidays are times Best regards, training for middle and high to acts of anti-Semitism and when all of us, including the Dina Hevlin Dahan school students. any other form of hate, and Phil Fogelman Shelter’s residents, miss their Executive Director ADL also looks forward helping prevent future such Education Director families and homes. Your do- Haifa Women’s Crisis to participating in Berkshire incidents. In keeping with our nation enables us to celebrate Shelter Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 5 Your Federation Presents “Breaking the Silence in Connecting With Community Programs / Gyumri, Armenia,” on June 7 Kosher Hot Lunch Programs in the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires’ Connecting With Community series are free and start at 10:45 a.m. most Mondays and Thursdays at Knesset Israel (16 Colt Road, Pittsfield). Programs are followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program. For further information on all programs, please call Nancy Maurice Rogers, program director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. For lunch menus and a chronological list of all scheduled programs, please see page 20. Note that lunch menus are subject to change. Also note that beginning on June 1 and continuing through the summer months, the Tuesday kosher lunch program will be on hiatus. Tuesday lunches will resume in the fall. PHOTO CREDIT: SONA ANDREASYAN PHOTO CREDIT: New Illuminations workshop in Gyumri, Armenia

Current Affairs: Contemporary American On Thursday, June 7 at Suzi Banks Baum is a 10:45 a.m., join Suzi Banks writer, artist, actress, teach- and International Politics Baum, a writer and artist who er, community organizer, On Thursday, June 14 studies and former dean of the will talk about her experiences and mom who lives in Great and Thursday, June 28 at College of Arts and Sciences in Armenia leading an art and Barrington. Her first published 10:45 a.m., join Professor at Adelphi University, Garden writing workshop called New book, An Anthology of Babes, Steven J. Rubin for “Current City, NY. He is the author of Illuminations, which works to celebrates the writing of wom- Affairs: Contemporary Amer- numerous books and articles empower local women through en artists. “Deeply curious ican and International Poli- and frequently lectures both the creation of handbound about the thresholds we cross tics.” This course will meet to here and abroad on such top- books. This free program at in to creative practice, I write discuss and explore current ics as international anti-Sem- Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road in personal narrative with an ear issues that influence our lives itism, Jewish history, popular Pittsfield is part of the Jewish for transformation though en- and society at large. This free culture, and literature. His Federation of the Berkshires’ gagement with the ordinary,” program at Knesset Israel, 16 radio play “Dem Bums: The Connecting With Community she says. She has an ongoing Colt Road in Pittsfield is part Rise and Demise of the Brook- series. artist residency in Gyumri, of the Jewish Federation of the lyn Dodgers” was broadcast This program, originally Armenia with New Illumina- Berkshires’ Connecting With live on National Public Radio slated for March, was resched- tions, while also interviewing Graphic Design Community series. in December 2017 and can be uled due to a snow storm. women artists there about Professor Steven J. Rubin www.tgo.com Topics will be chosen by currently heard online. “In a culture that silences their daily lives. She says she Professor Rubin in consul- women,” writes Suzi Banks inspires women to live from Baum, “that neither values the space of creative spirit and tation with the class and in Proof of ad for: ______Barbara Greenfeld Please respond by ______view of the issue’s relevance. IF YOU GO their work nor or sees their to value their contributions Members will be encouraged Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With stories as essential, we are to the world and one another Publication: ______BJV May 2016 to: (Tel) 413/ 528-0328 (Fax) 413/ 528-0328 [email protected] to participate in discussions Community reconnecting Armenian wom- through workshops steeped in en artists with indigenous book arts, ritual, and writ- to express views and opinions Venue: Knesset Israel [email protected] in a supportive and informal Date & Time: Thursday, June 14 and Thursday,Send June to: 28______at 10:45 a.m., practices of handbound books. ing.❏ Find Changes her work req’d. on & Easy new proof atmosphere. followed by lunch (see page 20). Building books with them Street, The Mid, Literary Mama, Steven J. Rubin is profes- No. of pages (inc. cover): ______redirects1 a cultural trend of Mother❏ Approved Writer Mentor, as is. Rebelle ❏ Approved with corrections as noted. sor emeritus of international silence, providing them with Society, Mothers Always Write Proof sent: ______4/25/16 vessels for connection.” Proof # ______1 andApproved her blog, by: www.suzibanks ______- With a slideshow of vibrant baum.com. The Process of Aging, with Maggie Bittman images that tell the story of her residencies in Armenia, IF YOU GO On Monday, June 18 at aloneness; and engaging free she will discuss the power of art in making social change Sponsor: Jewish Federation 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federa- will. of the Berkshires / Connecting and the ways of cultural diplo- tion of the Berkshires presents Bittman will highlight how With Community macy. Banks Baum will pro- “The Process of Aging” with this is a lifelong process, and Venue: Knesset Israel therapist Maggie Bittman. This the ways people return to vide a vision for the future of Date & Time: Thursday, June 7 free program at Knesset Israel, these existential truths at each New Illuminations, illustrated with brand new images from at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, stage of life with the added (see page 20). is part of the Federation’s wisdom that comes with aging. her recent residency. Connecting With Community Within this context, partici- series. pants will discuss, share and This program will provide offer support, as they explore an opportunity to be part of a these existential truths. group dialogue, created and facilitated by Bittman, who IF YOU GO will explain her outlook and New Home? Second Home? Therapist Maggie Bittman approach, emphasizing that Sponsor: Jewish Federation Retirement Home? of the Berkshires / Connecting aging begins at birth. She will Let me show you… With Community discuss how all of us are con- The Berkshires fronted with four existential Venue: Knesset Israel truths as we age – the search Date & Time: Monday, June 18 Barbara K. Greenfeld ABR, C-CREC, CRS, GREEN, RSPS, SRES to find meaning and purpose; at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 20). Broker Associate • Lic. in MA & NY facing mortality; experiencing 413-441-5986 [email protected] Roberts & Associates Realty, inc.

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BOOKSPAN, continued from page 1 of Pittsfield, and one of the Bookspan, speaking by phone event’s honorary co-chairs from his winter home in On my desk were the last caust survivors at the St. Otill- was…Leonard Bernstein. The Florida. Bookspan explained two issues of the BJV – the ien displaced persons camp, back page had a story about that his bar mitzvah portion March/April cover story was were conducted in concert clarinetist Paul Green, who at is Parshat Va’etchanan, which about the parents of Sonia by Leonard Bernstein. In the age 13 was selected by Leon- is read on Shabbat Nachamu, Beker, whose book Symphony April/May issue of the paper, ard Bernstein to play with the the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av on Fire recounts how her par- we reproduced a program from New York Philharmonic for the on which the first haftarah of ents, playing in a post-WWII the 1954 summer concert to Young People’s Concert televi- consolation (of seven leading orchestra composed of Holo- benefit the Jewish community sion program. up to the High Holy Days) is Finally, I remembered that chanted. Bernstein seems a few days earlier, I’d sent a to have remembered his bar MAZEL TOV friend who I hadn’t been able mitzvah portion as occurring to see on his recent visit to the around Tisha B’Av, when Mazel Tov to… Berkshires a YouTube link to the Book of Lamentations (in the Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Hebrew “Aichah,” its composi- Rose Tannenbaum on having a painting accepted into the version of Bernstein’s “Some tion traditionally attributed to Berkshire Museum’s show, “Art of the Hills” Other Time” (from On the the prophet Jeremiah) is read. c Town, lyrics by Comden and “The opening of Aichah,” said Martin Bookspan Seth Rogovoy and Linda Friedner on their marriage; Linda Green). Bookspan – ‘how desolate the Bookspan’s acquain- is the daughter of Audrey and Ralph Friedner of Stockbridge It is no doubt pure coin- city…’ – “was something he tance with Bernstein actually and Delray Beach, FL cidence that all these as- carried with him for the rest of stretches back three years ear- c sociations simultaneously his life. It had one of the most lier, to his bar mitzvah year – Adam Kronenberg on his bar mitzvah at Hevreh of Southern converged on an ink-stained important messages and was he is 92 years old, eight years Berkshire wretch in Pittsfield writing a always with him.” younger than the conductor c short Lenny-themed article; Bernstein incorporated would be if still with us. In Sam Drucker on his bar mitzvah at Hevreh of Southern but on the same token, they passages from Aichah into 1940, 13-year-old Boston Berkshire do show how widespread and the final movement of his native Bookspan received an c enduring Leonard Bernstein’s first symphony and, as noted honorable mention in a clas- Elie Hammerling on receiving the 2018 Robert K. Quatrocchi influence still is in 2018, on by Rodney Greenberg in his sical music quiz co-sponsored Award as Downtown Pittsfield Inc.’s Person of the Year for his the centennial of his birth and essay ‘The Jewish Leonard by the Boston Herald and the work on Berkshire Lightscapes 28 years after his passing. Bernstein,’ “Jeremiah – the Boston Pops, while one of its c What’s more, they all show dif- prophet who railed at God co-winners was – Leonard Liam Kusmin on his bar mitzvah at Hevreh of Southern ferent aspects of this mercuri- and made him accountable for Bernstein. That year, he saw Berkshire al cultural giant – world- human suffering – is a biblical Bernstein – who was part of c renowned superstar, globetrot- Bernstein counterpart, and the first conducting class at Peter Stolzer on the birth of his grandson, Easton Scott, to ter, socially-committed activ- addressing a personal crisis in Tanglewood – conduct mem- parents Tara and Sam Stolzer ist, conductor, generous men- faith was a subject to which bers of the Boston Symphony c tor to young musicians, music he kept returning.” Greenberg Orchestra at a Pops concert Helice and Steve Picheny on the engagement of their educator, key contributor to quotes Bernstein from “a press series then held in an outdoor daughter, Alexis, to Eric Orzech The Great American Songbook, conference during the record- amphitheater by the Charles c and overall shayner Yid. And ing of the symphony in 1977, River. The piece was Wagner’s Liz Baer and Hank Maimin on their recent marriage if the “Jeremiah” symphony I [when] he said: ‘I suppose I am prelude to “Die Meistersinger c was listening to as I prepared always writing the same piece. von Nürnberg,” and it was Linda Halpern on her bat mitzvah at Temple Anshe Amunim for my interview is, like most The work I have been writing Bernstein’s first time conduct- c of his classical compositions, all my life is about the struggle ing players from the orchestra. Ari Drayman and Pailey Feakes on their confirmations at not a part of Bernstein’s pre- that is born of the crisis of our “The instant rapport he had Temple Anshe Amunim terhuman output that I am century, a crisis of faith. Even with the musicians and the particularly fond of, it was the way back, when I wrote Jere- repertoire was apparent,” says first of his miah, I was wrestling with that Bookspan. compositions problem. The faith or peace at Bookspan has a seemingly mentioned the end of Jeremiah is really endless font of intimate by Martin more a kind of comfort, not a Leonard Bernstein stories – Bookspan. solution.’” like the one about the time he “Lenny Bookspan shared that when ran into Lenny and Jerome and I used confronted with adversity, “no Robbins on Boylston Street to have a matter what the impediment, during the Boston tryout of discussion [Bernstein] said he also re- On the Town, both of them about how his membered my bar mitzvah por- troubled about the production; bar mitzvah tion” from Shabbat Nachamu – or the time he was miserable portion and “be comforted” – and said there in Austria (“I saw a swastika mine were was something mystical about on every face”) until he found two sides that connection. And talk out that Lenny was also there of the same about way back – the teenaged working, and he dropped in at coin,” said Bookspan was at the premiere the concert hall and watched of the “Jeremiah” symphony the conductor rehearse Bee- in 1943, conducted by Serge thoven’s symphonies with the Koussevitzky. He remembers Vienna Philharmonic; or the going backstage and talking to time he was at Kabbalat Shab- Bernstein in the conductor’s bat services at Boston’s dressing room that night, an Mishkan Tefilah Synagogue encounter that cemented their BOOKSPAN, friendship. continued on next page

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413 637 1086 lenox, ma www.cohenwhiteassoc.com Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 7 Your Federation Presents The Unexpected Adventures of America’s Courageous Conversations PJ Library® Book-Gifting Program – – A Forum for Families on In Israel Social Media Aggression

On Monday, June 25 at to become Israel’s leading PITTSFIELD – On Wednesday, • Gwendolyn Hampton- 10:45 a.m., the Jewish book programs, encouraging May 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. VanSant, CEO & Found- Federation of the Berkshires shared adult-child reading at Reid Middle School, the ing Director, Multicultural welcomes Galina Vromen, in class and at home. She Jewish Federation of the Berk- BRIDGE executive director of Grin- will detail the impact of the shires will be one of the lead • Brian Kelley, School spoon Israel Foundation, the programs on reading read- sponsors of a panel discussion Adjustment Counselor, Israeli entity of the Massachu- iness and ethnic identity “Courageous Conversations: Pittsfield High School setts-based Harold Grinspoon among both Jewish and Arab Social Media, Aggression and • Robert W. Kinzer, III, Foundation. Her topic: “The families – and the challenges Our Youth – What Families Second Assistant District Unexpected Adventures of the programs face in Israel’s Need to Know.” Attorney, Berkshire District America’s PJ Library Book- complex society. This program is primarily Attorney’s Office Gifting Program – In Israel.” Galina Vromen directs intended for middle school This free program at Knesset the foundation’s Hebrew and and high school students, • Dr. Jason McCandless, Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pitts- Arabic book-gifting programs. their families and caregivers, Superintendent, Pittsfield field, is part of the Federation’s Before joining the founda- and teachers and adminis- Public Schools Connecting With Community tion in 2002, she worked in trators. It will offer insights • Kevin Moran, Executive series. publishing and in journalism, to help families recognize Editor and Chief Content Did you know that the mostly as a correspondent for different forms of aggression Officer, the Berkshire Eagle award-winning PJ Library Reuters News Agency in in social media — such as program has been adapted Israel, the Netherlands, and Galina Vromen cyberbullying, harassment, In addition to the Jewish to Israel? Did you know that in England. Born in Israel bias, and microaggressions Federation of the Berkshires, it serves more than 500,000 and raised on the US East — and strategies to encour- lead sponsors are the Mayor’s children and their families Coast, she is a long-time age children to speak up and Office-City of Pittsfield, the each year? And that it exists summer resident of the speak out when they and IF YOU GO Berkshire County Superinten- not only in Hebrew but also in Berkshires, where her family their friends encounter any dents’ Roundtable, and the Sponsor: Jewish Federation a culturally-adapted version in has owned a home for almost form of aggression. Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Arabic? 30 years. She has a BA in of the Berkshires / Connecting Mayor Linda M. Tyer, City With Community Co-sponsoring are Four Free- Galina Vromen will anthropology and media com- of Pittsfield, will welcome the doms Coalition, The Berkshire Venue: Knesset Israel chart the remarkable story munications from Hampshire audience and provide opening Eagle, Multicultural BRIDGE, of creating Sifriyat Pijama College and an MA in English Date & Time: Monday, June 25 remarks. Keynote speaker will Berkshire County Branch at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (Hebrew for Pajama Library) literature from Bar Ilan Uni- be Phil Fogelman, education NAACP, Berkshire Children & (see page 20). and Maktabat al-Fanoos versity in Israel. director, Anti-Defamation Families, and Berkshire (Arabic for Lantern Library) League New England Region Bridges Working Cities. and the director of ADL’s A The event is free and open ® WORLD OF DIFFERENCE to the public, but some topics Institute. Moderating will be may not be appropriate for Massachusetts State Repre- younger children. Child care sentative Tricia Farley-Bouvier BOOKSPAN, continued from page 6 will be provided for younger (D-Pittsfield). Panelists are: children in the gymnasium. when Lenny’s engagement Tanglewood grounds following Cost: This program is free of Pizza will be provided between to future wife, Felicia, was the program. charge, with no RSVP required. • Meg Bossong, Director of 5:30-6 p.m. Reid Middle announced; or when Lenny Bring your lunch or purchase Sexual Assault Prevention School is located at 950 North revealed, as a guest on the Bonus Factoid for Classical one at Tanglewood. and Response, Williams Street in Pittsfield. Lincoln Center radio broad- Music Fans For more information: Email College federation@jewishberkshires. cast in the mid-1960, that he While Mr. Bookspan and I • Makailey M. Cookis, Class would not be renewing his org, or call (413) 442-4360, of 2018, Pittsfield High spoke on his landline, his cell ext. 10 contract with the New York phone rang in the background. School Philharmonic. What does this noted classical There are plenty of other music aficionado use as his stories, and Martin Bookspan ringtone? will share them at the June 29 J.S. Bach’s Badinerie from Knosh & Knowledge, “Behind Orchestral Suite No. 2 for Flute the Scenes.” Come prepared and Strings in B minor. with questions, as Bookspan admits: “I usually work totally spontaneously. I like to react IF YOU GO Israeli to what I think the audience is Sponsor: Jewish Federation of feeling.” the Berkshires Jewelry Following the talk, Renee Date & Time: Friday, June 29 Rotta, Tanglewood’s market- from 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ing coordinator, will provide a Meet at the Tanglewood main brief overview of the upcoming gate by 10:30 a.m. summer season and raffle off Venue: Tanglewood, 297 West The Mews, by the Red Lion Inn Courtyard free tickets. Tour guides will Street, Lenox, MA Stockbridge, MA offer an optional tour of the 413-298-4436

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MAJOR DONORS, continued from page 1 Elaine and Bernie say they remains one of “Bernie and Elaine Roberts have long felt “a kinship” their major con- with the Berkshires and its cerns, however, the have been very committed a diverse group of supporters No Such Thing as a “Second Jewish community, a powerful Roberts recognize to our community for years. who understand the unique Home” connection forged over more the importance challenges a small commu- than two decades of helping to of Federation in Their leadership is inspiring nity faces,” says Executive “When I come to the Berkshires for the summer create and nurture the diverse developing young Director Dara Kaufman. “Our expressions of Jewish life, Jewish lives in the and their support is vital to Federation could not possibly months, I don’t feel like I’m coming to my ‘second home.’” identity, and social activism in Berkshires. this community. accomplish all that we do to this region. “We know this meet essential needs across says Elaine Roberts, who is co-chairing this year’s Major Elaine Roberts is one of community’s The Roberts, as well as all the Berkshires, in Israel, and the founders of the Jewish needs,” says Bernie, beyond without the inspir- Donor Celebration along with our major donors, are vital her husband, Bernie. “I feel Women’s Foundation of Berk- “and that many ing compassion, generosity, shire County which, through Jewish families to the future of our commu- and leadership of our major like I’m coming home.” Elaine adds that wherever its association with Federa- would not be able to donors. That’s why we are so tion, is dedicated to fulfilling do the things that nity, and without their grateful to Elaine and Bernie she finds herself, “Charitable work is the most satisfying unmet needs throughout the they are able to do support, we would not be Roberts for stepping up as our Berkshire community. Since for their children if co-chairs this year.” thing I do.” After decades of able to provide services Jewish involvement in New its inception, the Women’s Federation didn’t This event is a way to share Foundation has grown to step in to subsidize experiences of how Federa- York’s Westchester County, as to those in need.” her life changed she became 115 members, and last year and sponsor Jewish tion impacts the lives of all disbursed more than $28,000 education, summer — Development Officer the Jews in our community deeply involved with Federa- tion in her Florida community in grants to worthy commu- camp, and other Leslie Kozupsky – both those who come for the nity projects. The Foundation identity-building summer season and those in South Palm Beach County, chairing Lion of Judah cam- also provides an additional experiences.” who live here year round. It’s Kosher Meals on Wheels, and paigns and co-chairing the $23,000 to support Jewish Overall, says Elaine, “I find an opportunity for peers share the community social worker, most recent major donors’ cel- camp experiences, PJ Library, that having a strong Jewish ideas on how to make a differ- also working within the wider ebration with Bernie, as well. the community Seder, and the Federation is crucial to having ence in a Jewish community community to address issues Jewish philanthropy in Jewish Transportation Net- a strong Jewish community like the Berkshires – small in such as anti-Semitism in local larger communities is a whole work through the Federation. in a place like the Berkshires. population, yet one where the schools and to make sure that different ballgame than it is in A former schoolteacher That’s why we support it, and need for essential services is Jewish values are expressed the much smaller Berkshires who also worked with at-risk encourage others to join us in as acute as anywhere else. and protected. but, as Bernie observes, “I youth, Bernie Roberts brought generously supporting its good Donors have the chance to Elaine notes that this is a can’t say that one community the support of Jewish educa- work. It is so easy to get con- see all that this small commu- side of this Federation’s work has greater needs than the tion and youth engagement nected with Federation here in nity accomplishes, and really that is easy for second home- other.” into the couple’s philanthropic the Berkshires because there understand the impact their owners to miss, but that they “I really feel like I have two endeavors. For many years, is so much that Federation support has on sustaining nevertheless should make Jewish communities that are he has served on the board does to get involved in – activ- the vital programs Federation every effort to find out more equally important to me,” says of Berkshire Hills-Eisenberg ities, concerts, lectures, films, provides – care services and about. “So many of us take a Elaine. “I don’t see my time in Camp in nearby Copake, NY, and so much more.” social engagement for area great deal from the Federation the Berkshires as a chance to near to Hillsdale, where the But the Roberts stress seniors, Jewish education for and the activities it offers us,” take a break from my involve- couple owned a home before that it is important to recog- our children, camp and Israel she says, “and that’s great. By ment in Jewish life. Quite moving across the border nize that sponsoring Jewish experiences for teens and all means, benefit from what the opposite – I see it as an to the Berkshires in 2004. programming is only one part young adults, and engaging Federation offers – but be sure opportunity to make a signifi- Elaine served on the board of of this Federation’s mission. programming to enrich Jewish to give back to this communi- cant difference in two worthy Sinai Academy, the Jewish Federation works year-round identity and connection for ty, which is your home even if communities, both with their day school in Pittsfield whose to provide vital programs such people of all ages. you are only here part of the own unique needs.” closure was a disappointment as the Connecting With Com- to her. As Jewish education munity kosher lunch program, year.”

Cellist Yehuda Hanani to Perform for Our Major Donors

Special guest at our Major need to find out – are there Zionist parents – he says his Today, as Donors Celebration will be Jews here? What are they do- chalutz (pioneer) father, a na- Hanani works cellist Yehuda Hanani, who ing?” He finds that “the secret tive of Vilna, didn’t even count around the world as was born in Jerusalem and ingredient to Jewish success” the years of his life before he a teacher, he says discovered by Leonard everywhere is the “layered moved to Israel. An author of he often encounters Bernstein and Isaac Stern at existence” led by Jews who children’s literature, his father students who are age 19, and then brought to retain their communal identity also adapted a system of technically brilliant, the United States from Israel while living in the wider world. stenography for Hebrew, and but have no histor- to study his instrument. For “It makes it possible to observe was the stenographer sitting ical understanding nearly 25 years, he has been things that people inside the at the side of the dais as David of the music they artistic director of the Close culture are unable to see.” Ben Gurion declared the State are playing or the Encounters With Music cham- He adds: “Our history is of Israel’s independence in social and cultural ber music and commentary everywhere,” even in places 1948. Hanani remembers the context in which series, which has captivated where the Jewish community Jerusalem of his youth as a it was created. He audiences in the Berkshires has moved on from, or where polyglot city of distinct ethnic admits to some- and at other stops across the the number of Jews in resi- enclaves, a place where “you times being “star- US and Canada. dence is now much attenuat- could tell where you were by tled” by the dearth ed. As a Jew, “You identify the smell of the spices.” If that of knowledge in with their achievements sounds like a line straight the questions he “It’s like there is a and their anxieties,” he from an Amos Oz novel, is asked, and says says. Hanani says that Amos Oz that he sends the magnet that draws you As an example of the (then Amos Klausner) was his students who ask to other Jewish people. latter, he recalls connect- neighbor and would walk him them directly to the ing with a small commu- to school, and that he remem- library to read and You have an inner need nity of Marranos – Jews bered the hot chocolate Oz’s research the past. to find out – are there once forced to convert to mother, Fania (whose tragic He does this, he Christianity who contin- life was portrayed so unfor- says, not only to Jews here? What are ued to secretly practice gettably in A Tale of Love and enrich the musical Cellist Yehuda Hanani they doing?” their faith – while playing Darkness), would give them as performances of his in Zagreb, now in Croa- they left. students, but to help them un- monic (conducted by Wilhelm tia, but at the time part “She said don’t talk, so that derstand the role of the artist Furtwängler) for Hitler’s birth- Hanani has appeared of Yugoslavia. After attending the heat would stay in our and performer in society. As day in 1942. “Knowing that with major orchestras and Kabbalat Shabbat services mouths and keep us warm,” for himself, he says, “It’s hard Goering and Hitler were in the taught master classes across in their small house of wor- he recalls. “We didn’t exactly to separate my private life from front row as you listen then to the globe and, in addition to ship, Hanani left services still listen to her.” my Jewish identity, and my Schiller’s poem about how all playing his cello (accompanied wearing his kippah. He recalls Most every young person Jewish identity from my art.” men are brothers,” he says, ref- by pianist Mikael Darmanie) that as he walked down the growing up in Israel at the He says that in Nazi Germany, erencing the ‘Ode to Joy,’ “and at the major donors’ event, street, members of the syna- time played an instrument – musicians tried to separate art you have to ask – how can this Hanani will talk about his gogue “started yelling at me an Eastern European predi- from politics, their attitude be- happen? How can this be? experiences traveling the world from the windows – ‘take off lection, according to Hanani – ing that others would unravel “This is what happens,” he as an Israeli performer. your yarmulke! Take off your but even after his own virtuos- those knotty issues while they concludes, “when you separate Hanani says that he has yarmulke!’” ity was apparent, his practice simply played Beethoven. For art from politics.” found that if you are Jewish, Growing up, Hanani had no time was limited to 2 hours Hanani, the end of that road Hanani will share more of “it’s like there is a magnet that experience of that kind of out- a day by his scholarly father, is the infamous performance his stories, and some beautiful draws you to other Jewish sider Jewish existence. He was who insisted his son acquire a of Beethoven’s ninth sym- music, at the Major Donors people. You have an inner born in Jerusalem to ardently well-rounded education. phony by the Berlin Philhar- Celebration. Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 9 Your Federation Presents Listening to the Still Small The Life and Legacy of Dr. Janusz Korczak Voice: An Illustrated Presen- On Monday, June 4 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Fed- eration of the Berkshires tation of Shaker History welcomes Mariola Strahlberg, founder and executive director of the Janusz Korczak Asso- ciation of the USA. This free program at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pittsfield, is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community series. Mariola Strahlberg will present an informative and timely talk on the life and work of Dr. Janusz Korczak (Henryk Goldszmit 1879- 1942), a pediatrician, writer, Dr. Janusz Korczak educator, and humanitarian who is well known all over newspaper, trained teachers in enchanted children around the world for his innovative what is now called moral edu- the world. The Israelis revere work with Polish and Jewish cation, and worked in juvenile Janusz Korczak as one of the orphans at two orphanag- courts defending children’s Thirty-six Just Men whose es in Warsaw from 1912 to rights. He was a strong advo- pure souls, according to the 1942. On August 5, 1942, Dr. cate of the need for a ancient Jewish tradition, make Sharon Duane Koombler Korczak was taken to the Tre- declaration of children’s rights the world’s salvation possible. blinka death camp, together long before such documents UNESCO declared 1978-79 On Monday, June 11 at and missionary efforts; and with 192 orphans and his staff were drawn up by the Geneva the Year of Korczak to coincide 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Feder- broad-brush interpretation of of nine, and disappeared into Convention (1924), the Unit- with the Year of the Child and ation of the Berkshires wel- Shaker life. its bowels, never to be seen ed Nations General Assembly the centenary of his birth. comes scholar Sharon Duane Sharon Duane Koombler again. (1959), and the Convention of Koombler for a talk about the served as director of educa- Janusz Korczak, an assim- the Rights of the Child (1989). Shaker community once so tion at the Shaker Museum IF YOU GO ilated Polish Jew, practiced His books, How to Love a prominent in this part of the at South Union, Kentucky; universal humanism. He is Child and The Child’s Right Sponsor: Jewish Federation country. Her presentation is curator of collections at Han- of the Berkshires / Connecting credited in Europe with the for Respect gave parents and titled “Listening to the Still cock Shaker Village; curator With Community introduction of progressive teachers new insights into Small Voice: An Illustrated and director of the Museum at orphanages designed as dem- child psychology. His classics, Venue: Knesset Israel Presentation of Shaker His- Shaker Museum and Library, ocratic republics; he founded King Matt the First and King Date & Time: Monday, June 4 at tory.” This free program at Old Chatham, NY; and has the first national children’s Matt on the Deserted Island, 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, consulted at Shaker Village at (see page 20). in Pittsfield, is part of the Pleasant Hill, Kentucky and Federation’s Connecting With Canterbury Shaker Village, Community series. New Hampshire. She has With this illustrated lectured widely on Shaker presentation, Sharon Duane material culture and life and Koombler shares highlights published numerous articles of the last 25 years of her and books on facets of Shaker experiences in learning Shaker history. history and synthesizing that knowledge into presentations, IF YOU GO publications, and exhibitions. Highlights include biographi- Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting cal views of individual Shakers With Community and certain work attributed to them; thematic interpretations Venue: Knesset Israel of categories of Shaker mate- Date & Time: Monday, June 11 rial culture; in-depth inqui- at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch ries into personal individual (see page 20). Shaker’s spiritual journeys Page 10 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 Your Federation Presents

Knosh on Famous Nathan for Knowledge Italian Heroes Remembered about Nathan’s Famous Here and in Jerusalem Documentary filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker on his family’s Coney Island landmark, June 15

GREAT BARRINGTON – On Friday, June 15, Knosh & Knowledge welcomes director Lloyd Handwerker, grandson of the founder of the iconic Nathan’s Famous of Coney Island. He’ll be on hand to host a screening of Famous Nathan, a densely-layered, visually dynamic documentary portrait of the life and times of the world-renowned hot At the Berkshire Museum… dog stand that is still thriving along the Brooklyn shore. On April 8, more than 2013 as being among the This Jewish Federation of 225 people joined Federation Righteous Among the Na- the Berkshires program will to commemorate Holocaust tions. This latest recognition take place at Hevreh of South- Remembrance Day and honor was part of events leading up ern Berkshire at 10:45 a.m., the forgotten Italian heroes to the Giro d’Italia Big Start, and will be followed by lunch. who helped save thousands a bicycling competition that Famous Nathan chronicles of Jews during World War II. debuted in May in Israel, the personal and public history Remembered were the brave which included a memorial of the iconic Brooklyn eatery efforts of Tour de France bicy- ride. Yad Vashem Chairman created in 1916 by the film- cling champ Gino Bartali, who Avner Shalev presented the maker’s grandfather, Nathan on May 2, 2018, was posthu- certificate of Commemorative Handwerker. Thirty years in will not disappoint New York passion has been researching mously bestowed Commemo- Citizenship to Gioia Bartali, the making, this decades- history enthusiasts. and creating the documentary rative Citizenship of the State granddaughter of Gino Bartali, spanning, Coney Island- Lloyd Handwerker was film he’ll be sharing, as well of Israel. Bartali was already in the presence of the Italian inspired rollercoaster ride born in Brooklyn and grew up as the book that ties in to the honored by Yad Vashem in Ambassador to Israel. interweaves a kaleidoscopic on Long Island, NY. He gradu- documentary. blend of home movies, archival ated from Oberlin College with footage, family photos, a major in Political Science IF YOU GO never-before-heard audio then moved to Rochester, Sponsor: Jewish Federation of recording of Nathan, and where he studied photography the Berkshires intimate, sometimes hilarious and video at the Visual Stud- Date & Time: Friday, June 15 at interviews with family, friends ies Workshop. After traveling 10:45 a.m. and workers. extensively in Southeast Asia, Take a look back at the he went on to study film at Venue: Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State Road, Great immigrant experience and NYU, where he received his Barrington 100 years of family and New MFA. He worked for over 20 Cost: $11 with fresh buffet York history with this personal years in the film industry as lunch. Program only, $5. documentary gem. Featuring both an assistant cameraman Advance lunch reservations a strong score, colorful and and cinematographer on both required for this event. endearing characters, rare ar- narrative and documentary chival material, and a vibrant features, as well as short films Email federation@jewishberk- shires.org, or call (413) 442-4360, editing style, Famous Nathan and music videos. His lifelong ext. 10

… and in Jerusalem, where cyclists participated in the memorial ride through Yad Vashem by the Cattle Car – Memorial to the Berkshire Deportees monument Addressing ‘The Fear of the Other’ in the Berkshires JewishA publication of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, serving V the Berkshires and surrounding ice NY, CT and VT On Thursday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m., the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires hosts Drew Herzig, Thank you to our supporters! who serves on the City of Pittsfield’s The Berkshire Jewish Voice extends a very special “thank you” for the gener- Human Rights Commission and with osity extended thus far by 208 households as of November 8, 2017 who have Indivisible Pittsfield, and will speak on sent in their contributions for voluntary subscriptions to the paper in 2017. “Addressing ‘The Fear of the Other’ in the Berkshires.” This free program at Carolyn and Larry Kaplan Bob Mainzer and Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, in Pitts- Shelley and Bob Berend Carole Schwimmer field, is part of the Federation’s Con- Seymour Baer and Regina Karas William and Sandra Walley necting With Community series. The Human Rights Commission Robert and Barbara Bashevkin Henry and Bobbi Gluck of Pittsfield is developing and raising Charlie and Elaine Brenner Tamara Robin Jasper consciousness around issues such Diana and Andy Geller Susan Greenberg-Yarmush as anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, Drew Herzig Connee and Dick Bandes Michael P. and Susan Albert LGBTQ issues, Asian-Americans in the Berkshires, and stigmas associated Leonard Greenwald “fear of others” takes place in the Berk- with mental illnesses. Drew Herzig will shires, and how can we work together discuss what forms xenophobia, how to reduce this problem.

IF YOU GO SEED WHAT YOU READ! BECOME A SUBSCRIBER TODAY! Yes, I support the Berkshire Jewish Voice! Please accept my voluntary Sponsor: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires / Connecting With Community tax-deductible subscription contribution. Venue: Knesset Israel Date & Time: Thursday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m., followed by lunch (see page 20). _____ $360 Mensch & Honorary Publisher (Supports color printing in one edition of the Voice) _____ $180 Sponsor _____ $72 Patron Mail check payable to: Jewish Federation of the Berkshires _____ $36 Friend 196 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 For further information on all Jewish _____ $18 Supporter­­­­ (Please add Berkshire Jewish Voice in the memo) Federation of the Berkshires programs, please call Nancy Maurice Name to be listed: ______Rogers, Program Director, at (413) 442-4360, ext. 15. p I wish to remain anonymous Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 11 Your Federation Presents

Sustainability of Israel’s Environment and Jewish Community Comes Zionist Ideas – A Dialogue Together for Shabbat Alon Tal and Gil Troy to explore Israel, the environment, and Across the Berkshires, the future of Zionism LENOX – On Monday, July 2 June 1 at 7 p.m., the Jewish Feder- GREAT BARRINGTON – On ation of the Berkshires pres- Friday, June 1, at 6:15 p.m., ents “Sustainability of Israel’s Shabbat Across the Berk- Environment and Zionist Ideas shires will bring together – A Dialogue,” featuring two members of the Jewish com- of the most dynamic thought munity from throughout the leaders about Israel today, county for a joyous, musical, environmentalist Alon Tal and and family-friendly Kabbalat historian Gil Troy. Shabbat service hosted by This free event will take Hevreh of Southern Berkshire place at Shakespeare and and the Berkshire Minyan. Company’s Bernstein Theater, Rabbis and spiritual 70 Kemble Street in Lenox. leaders from across the Alon Tal is a leading Israeli Berkshires will lead the ser- environmental activist and vice, which will feature local academic, founder of the Israel musicians from the various Union for Environmental De- congregations. Services will fense and the Arava Institute be followed by a festive and Alon Tal Gil Troy for Environmental Studies. He expanded Israeli-style oneg currently serves as chair of the and cake to celebrate Israel’s department of Public Policy at Gil Troy is an American fulfilled the Zionist idea – that 70th birthday. Tel Aviv University. presidential historian, pro- powerless Jews need a state This always-special event Tal won the Charles Bron- fessor, author, and popular as a refuge, immediately, and – this time to be celebrated fman Prize for young human- commentator on politics and as a platform to flourish and Israeli-style – is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berk- itarian leadership in 2006 other issues. He is a prom- express Jewish values, long- shires, the Berkshire Minyan, Congregation Ahavath Sholom, and used the prize money to inent activist in the debate term. Seventy years later, de- Congregation Beth Israel, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Knesset establish the Tal Fund, which over Zionism and the future of bating Zionist ideas welcomes Israel, Temple Anshe Amunim, and Berkshire Hills Hadassah. supports grassroots Israeli Israel, and is the author of The debate from left to right, reli- For more information, please call the Federation at (413) 442- environmental activism. Tal Zionist Ideas, which updates gious and nonreligious, about 4360, ext. 10. received Israel’s Environment Arthur Hertzberg’s classic what Zionism and Israel can Ministry’s lifetime achievement work The Zionist Idea and was mean to me as Jew, as a per- award as a 48-year-old, in recently published by The son – and how some of these honor of Israel’s 60th anni- Jewish Publication Society. ideas can help Israel become a versary in 2008. In 2015, he He is a Distinguished Scholar model democracy.” joined Professor Uri Shanas of North American History at This event is free and open as one of the founders of the McGill University. to the public. “This is My Earth – TIME” ini- In a JTA editorial pub- For more information, visit tiative an international effort lished last April titled “Israel jewishberkshires.org or call us to purchase biodiversity “hot at 70: It’s time to reclaim the at (413) 442-4360, ext. 10. spots” as conservation sanctu- Z-word, Zionism,” Troy wrote: aries through crowd sourcing. “Establishing Israel in 1948

Donate • Volunteer • Make a Difference

New! LIMITED EDITION – RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY Pre-publication orders being accepted. Available summer, 2018. 250 pages of original definitive research tell this fascinating and important story which will be valued by anyone with family ties to the area, local history enthusiasts and students of the Jewish experience in the Berkshires. Includes family histories, many delightful anecdotes and over 100 rare photos.

To order or for more information go to sandisfieldartscenter.org and click on “Gift Shop” Page 12 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 LOCAL NEWS Genealogist to Share Japanese Relocation Camps: Yellow Immigrant Family Bowl Project with Setsuko and Simon Love Story at CAS Lecture Winchester GREAT BARRINGTON – On GREAT BARRINGTON – On where Ameri- Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m., Sunday, June 3 at 7 p.m., cans of Japa- “Genealogy Research Uncov- Hevreh of Southern Berkshire nese ancestry ers Love Stories in a Family of hosts Setsuko and Simon were held Jewish Immigrants,” a presen- Winchester for a presentation during World tation by Keren Weiner, will about World War II-era Japa- War II. Setsu- be the second of Congregation nese internment camps. ko, a ceramic Ahavath Sholom’s series of At the beginning of World artist and a lectures. War II, President Franklin D. journalist, What do we know of our Roosevelt signed an executive created 120 ancestors’ deepest commit- order giving the military power yellow tea ments beyond the names and to remove anyone from any bowls and the date? area the government declared photographed Follow one immigrant fam- a “military zone.” This order them at each of ily from New Orleans during Genealogist Keren Weiner was used to revoke the liberty these sites. The the Civil War era through of anyone with “1/16th Japa- “Yellow Bowl Setsuko Winchester their move to New York City. Genealogist Keren Weiner nese blood.” Project” tells a Weiner will show how research was featured in the January/ In 2015 and 2016 Setsuko cautionary tale of what may this sensitive subject, includ- methods from the internet to February BJV article on Winchester, an American of happen to freedom when fear ing on public radio, to enthu- the telephone revealed how Jewish genealogy. Japanese ethnicity, and her rules the day. siastic audiences. they survived war, epidemic, Congregation Ahavath husband Simon, a bestselling Setsuko and Simon Win- Suggested contribution: fire, and who knows what else Sholom is located at 15 North author, traveled to each of chester reside in the Berk- $15. Hevreh is at 270 State – to leave loving legacies that Street, Great Barrington. For the ten US “relocation” camps shires. They have presented Road, Great Barrington. inspire. more information, call (413) 528-4197.

website! TAA Educator Rachel Alemany Check out our www.jewishberkshires.org Cited for Outstanding History INCLUDES A CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS AND EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE BERKSHIRE JEWISH COMMUNITY Curriculum HARTFORD, CT – Temple Anshe favorite things about the Shtetl cur- Amunim has announced that Rachel riculum is how accessible the learning Alemany and NFTY colleague Jeannette is… Students explore picture books Lazer were selected to receive the 2018 and written materials, view videos and Joseph Korzenik Memorial Educator discuss what they learn, and work Award for developing the NFTY pro- independently and in groups. They gram, “Shtetl: Jewish Community Life each build their own Shtetl, finding Before the Holocaust.” their way into this world with various The two educators received no- tactile materials including edible can- tification of the honor in April by dy. Experimenting with the objects and Dr. Avinoam Patt, Philip D. Feltman learning through ‘play’ gives students Professor of Modern Jewish History, more excitement to engage with the University of Hartford, and director project. of the Museum of Jewish Civilization. “I know both educators are passion- Leah King Kaufman, senior region- ate about Holocaust education, and al director of Youth Engagement for have shown the teens how important NFTY Northeast, had nominated them it is to remember the shtetl way of life for their “highest caliber as Jewish and the culture and values that sup- educators and youth professionals in ported it.” New England.” She says she has seen On May 7, Rachel and Jeannette re- the Shtetl curriculum in action for ceived their award, and celebrated their many years as a two-day activity with- achievement at the Maurice Greenberg in NFTY’s annual five-day gathering, Center at the University of Hartford and it has proved so popular that it is College of Arts and Sciences. often waitlisted. She adds, “One of my Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 13 LOCAL NEWS In Performance – “The Bintel Award-winner! Brief” Ranked Top 5% of PITTSFIELD – In ALL HGI’s Worldwide! the early 1900s, Jews fled East- ern European oppression by the hundreds of thousands. Once on these shores, adapt- ing to life in the Goldeneh Medina (“Golden Land”) posed great challenges! The Yiddish newspaper, Der Forvertz, A street scene of the Lower East Side of New York in the early was the secular 20th century “bible” for these immigrants, and its editor, Abraham Says KI’s programming director Cahan, became something of a Myrna Hammerling: “The immigrant “rebbe” to many who wrote in to the experience, and the hopes for a better paper seeking advice on life in Ameri- life that these immigrants brought with ca. The Bintel Brief, A Selection of Sixty them, are still with us today. The choice Years of letters from the Lower East of this theatrical piece can add to our Side to the Jewish Daily Forward is a understanding of the struggles of our book that records these letters to the forebears. It will put into perspective editor, translated into English, and the the sacrifices that resulted in our own advice he proffered. relative economic security today. On Sunday, June 3 at 7 p.m., “Further, the younger generation, Knesset Israel will present “A Bintel who may never have heard Yiddish Brief, A Staged and Rehearsed spoken or understood the hardships of Reading,” featuring a cast of local this generation, will have the opportu- volunteers and vocalists who will share nity to develop new understanding of the poignant, tragic, bittersweet, and their own roots at this performance.” humorous experiences that motivated Cast members include Lara that “Letters to the Editor” column. Denmark, Herman Rotenberg, Ann This event is being co-sponsored Krawet, Amy Miller, Louise Penney, by a generous grant from the Jewish Steve Rosenthal, Alexandra Warshaw, Federation of the Berkshires. and Rich Woller. A talk-back will follow Directing is Carol Rusoff, resident the performance along with light of Columbia County and veteran of a refreshments. long and diverse career of directing, Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 teaching, chairing of departments, for students and can be purchased and serving as resident teaching artist in advance or at the door beginning in venues from Europe to California. at 6:30 p.m. For further information, She will lead the cast in this theatrical contact Myrna Hammerling at (413) experience in the KI sanctuary. 445-4872 ext. 16. Stay in one of our 95 new guest rooms and suites Israel Events at Hevreh GREAT BARRINGTON – Israel-related programming Our on-site restaurant is open at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire this summer will include these events. to the public for breakfast, Israel Update lunch and dinner On Thursday, June 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Hevreh member Steve Schreier Indoor Pool/Hot Tub, and Rabbi Neil Hirsch will share their thoughts in a moderated panel discus- 24-hour Fitness Room sion about the recent past and pos- Davidman. The film conjures a host of sible future of Israel and the entire different characters while seeking volatile Middle East. In a talk last answers to the Israeli-Palestinian year, Schreier, a frequent and knowl- conflict. Meeting and Event space edgeable visitor to Israel, made several Davidman takes a multi- predictions regarding the political dimensional journey into the heart and economic conditions in Israel, as of the Middle East, and the intersec- Earn or redeem your well as the Middle East in general. He tion of politics, identity, and spiritual looked back at events since the last yearning. He gives voice to 17 different war with an eye toward understand- characters on all sides of the existen- Hilton HHonors points ing their implications, and projecting tial divide – moving between male and forward through 2018. How did those female, Jewish and Muslim, Israeli and predictions turn out and what will the Arab – modeling what it takes truly to next six months look like? Come and bear witness through the eyes of the find out. other. Challenging long-held beliefs with sharp and unblinking observa- Film – Wrestling Jerusalem tion, Davidman finds both entrenched Check out our Special Offers and On Sunday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m., isolation and shared humanity in the Hevreh goes to the movies with a shifting moral compasses and com- Packages at LenoxPittsfield.HGI.com screening of Wrestling Jerusalem at The peting narratives of all his characters. Triplex in downtown Great Barrington. Cost: $10, tickets available at Hevreh or call 413-448-2222. Based on a critically-acclaimed one- or at the door. Limited seating. man stage show by writer-actor Aaron 1032 South Street, Pittsfield, MA

Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton HHonors are registered trademarks of Hilton Worldwide Page 14 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 LOCAL NEWS Discussion Communities at Jewish Life Yesterday and Today Hevreh GREAT BARRINGTON – stand the timeless and uni- This summer, Hevreh of versal challenge of holding GREAT BARRINGTON – On vestment Approaches for Southern Berkshire presents leaders accountable for their Thursday, June 28 from 4 to Today’s Economy and Mar- two opportunities to learn actions and creating a soci- 5:30 p.m., watch a recorded kets.” Back for a fourth consec- about Jewish life and litera- ety ruled by laws rather than ELI Talk from Dr. Alyssa Gray, utive summer, these discus- ture, both ancient and con- potentates.” professor of Jewish law at the sions will focus on personal temporary. The 75-minute classes Hebrew Union College- investment topics, including are free and will begin at Jewish Institute of Religion, the outlook for the economy Book of Amos 11:45 a.m. Rabbi Neal her topic “Jewish Law as Great and markets, asset allocation, On four consecutive Borovitz, a member of Hevreh Literature.” After hearing her taxes and investment strategy. Wednesdays starting June 6 and The Berkshire Minyan, opening argument, unpack it Hevreh member Stu Schweitzer (continuing June 13, 20, and is rabbi emeritus at Temple with Rabbi Neil Hirsch in order will be the program facilitator 27), join Rabbi Neal Borovitz Avodat Shalom in River Edge, to explore the role of Jewish this year. Each of the season’s for “Speak Truth to Power! A NJ and national vice chair of Cantor Shani Cohen law in the progressive context three sessions will have a Message from the 8th Century The Jewish Council for Public of Reform Jewish living. clear, differentiated focus. The BCE,” an exploration of the Affairs. focusing on Jewish commu- June 18, July 16, and July 30 biblical Book of Amos. Writes nities through literature. In Managing Your Financial discussions will be led by Stu Rabbi Borovitz: “The short, New Book Club June, we will be discussing Outlook Schweitzer, Jon Budish, and but powerful, Book of Amos is “Travel the Jewish World,” Ruth Behar’s An Island Called On Monday, June 18 (and Larry Brotman, respectively. a combination of biographical with Cantor Shani Cohen, Home, a fascinating story continuing for two additional This event is free and open to and auto-biographical narra- kicks off Saturday, June 2 of the Jewish community of Mondays, July 16 and July 30) the public. tives that convey the message from 3-6 p.m. Writes Cantor Cuba.” from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., join Hevreh is at 270 State that ordinary people can do Cohen: “Do you enjoy reading Cantor Cohen will also the discussion community “In- Road, Great Barrington. extraordinary things when new and exciting books? Are present on her travels to the inspired to choose the ethical you interested in learning Jewish communities of Hun- over the expedient. more about Jewish commu- gary, Lithuania, and Belarus “In this four-session text nities all over the world? We last year. Email Cantor Cohen study, we will seek to under- are starting a new book club at [email protected] for more information. Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 15 Page 16 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018

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Permanent & Visiting Exhibits ■ Talks ■ Films

Don’t miss a thing this summer! See a complete calendar of Jewish programs and events in “Berkshire Jewish Summer” published with BERKSHIRE JEWISH SUMMER this issue of 2018 Guide to Cultural and Educational Programming the BJV. Also available at July 12–15, 2018 many locations

Lectures & Courses throughout the

Eyewitness to Power: Leadership in America, David Gergen, The 51st Annual Feigenbaum Lecture Berkshires. Books & Authors Lioness with Author Francine Klagsbrun Jewish Festival of Books Museum and Visitors Center hours: Sunday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Public tours: Music & Theatre Sam Glaser Live in Concert, Tuesdays at 2, Sundays at 11 and 1 Power of the Soul Tour Art & Film Levinsky Park, Amherst, Massachusetts | 413-256-4900 Berkshire Jewish Film Festival Enriching and celebrating Jewish life in the Berkshires and beyond yiddishbookcenter . o r g www.jewishberkshires.org COVER PHOTO: CHESHIRE LAKE, BERKSHIRE VISITORS BUREAU Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 17

Arts & Entertainment THEATRE DANCE Dining film festival CABARET BOOKS Music Art

dianafelbergallery.com 6 Harris Street West Stockbridge 413-232-7007 BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY’S CABARETSERIES AT MR. FINN’S! CABARET SERIES SPONSORED BY RENEE AND STEVEN FINN LESLIE KRITZER Half Jew, All Guilt JULY 8 & 9 @ 8 PM LIFE IS A CABARET! Kritzer returns to Barrington Stage with another hilariously unapologetic evening of stories and songs about her life. She already feels guilty about it. 413.236.8888 BARRINGTONSTAGECO.ORG

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WWW.WINVIAN.COM Page 18 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 LOCAL NEWS Summertime JTS Lectures Return to the Berkshires LENOX – Once again this Springer, Director of the Cen- this move was catastrophic. Is Age: The Pleasures and Perils summer, Knesset Israel and ter for Pastoral Education, this behind the inclination to of Nature in Medieval Hebrew New York’s Jewish Theological will speak about “Watering dominate nature, rather than Literature.” For Medieval Seminary will be partners for the Soul: Rain, Dew, and co-exist responsibly suppos- Spanish Jewry, the garden was a four-part educational series Spiritual Care.” Says Rabbi edly found in non-biblical a place where the elite enjoyed at the Bernstein Theater on Springer: “Rain comes – or cultures? Dr. Mittleman will each other’s company, along the campus of Shakespeare & does not come – from heav- explore biblical sources and with wine, music, and poetry. Company. Starting July 13, en. The rhythms of wet and propose a contemporary Jew- For the poets, the pleasures of sessions will be held on al- dry seasons attune us to ish theory in light of Judaism’s the garden provided time for ternating Friday mornings in our vulnerability and call on sense of the sacred. philosophical reflection, and for July and August from 11 a.m. us to enter into prayer with the religious-minded, the gar- to 12:30 p.m. To ensure a humility and open hearts. den diverts people from serious seat, please register early. We will explore these themes activities to worldly pleasures. This series is being pre- through liturgical, biblical Through translations of se- sented in cooperation with Rabbi Daniel Nevins and rabbinic sources.” lected poetry in class, these the Jewish Federation of the complementary and conflicting Berkshires, and is supported mans have been tinkering with values will be explored. by a grant from the Harold life forms since the beginning Register early for the Grinspoon Foundation. of history, breeding plants and series online at www.jtsa.edu/ As in years past, an overall animals to suit their needs. berkshires, or contact Lynn broad theme will be interpret- Recent rapid developments in Feinman at (212) 678-8821. ed by four different distin- genetic engineering have al- The four-session series is $85; guished professors from their lowed researchers and industry each separately is $25. Tickets respective and diverse aca- to improve crop yields, invent may be purchased at the door. demic perspectives. The 2018 new medicines and therapies, The Berkshires contact is theme is “Back to Nature: and increase the quality of life. Dr. Raymond Scheindlin Myrna Hammerling, director Jewish Encounters with the Yet the blending of DNA from of programming at Knesset Natural World.” different species also presents On August 24, Dr. Raymond Israel, (413) 445-4872, Judaism’s complex rela- risks both physical and ethical. Scheindlin, Professor Emeritus ext. 16, or mhammerling@ tionship to nature begins in Rabbi Nevins will explore Jew- of Medieval Hebrew Literature, knessetisrael.org. Eden, where humans are com- ish sources dealing with this Dr. Alan Mittleman tackles “Gardens of the Golden manded to subdue and guard brave new world. the earth. The visiting schol- On July 27, Rabbi Mychal On August 10, Dr. Alan ars will reveal the diversity of Mittleman, Aaron Rabinowitz KI Gala to Feature a Jewish perspectives on nature and Simon H. Rifkind Profes- and the sacred realm. How sor of Jewish Philosophy, do our sources—literary, legal discusses “Is Nature Sacred? Musical Exploration of and liturgical—conceive of the Reassessing the Value of world around us and our rela- Nature in Judaism.” If the Norman Rockwell’s Life tionship to other creatures? world is the product of a su- PITTSFIELD – On Monday, projections/videos of NRM, On July 13, Rabbi Daniel pernatural Creator who gave June 25 at 5:30 p.m., Knesset Rockwell’s Saturday Evening Nevins, the Pearl Resnick Dean the world over to humans, Israel will present musical ex- Post covers. The story musi- of the Rabbinical School has must the humans be rever- cerpts from a new production, cally recounts 20th century chosen the topic, “Biotech and ent toward nature? For some Rockwell; Life on a Palette, as America culture, from rag- the Bible: Jewish Perspectives ecologically-minded critics, part of the congregation’s an- time innocence to the roaring on Genetic Engineering.” Hu- Rabbi Mychal Springer nual summer gala fundraising 1920s, tap dancing in the event. 1930s and World War II era big Rockwell’s work is extra- band swing, and the Broadway ordinary by any measure – songbook plus rousing gospel universal popularity, enduring and contemporary country Where Are They Now? longevity, and critical acclaim. music. This musical will bring his The unique and special Local Genealogist Yefim Kogan to Present at First Jewish work into a new arena – on evening will include a catered Genealogy Conference in Eastern Europe stage as musical theater. dinner and one hour of mu- Norman Rockwell suffered sical numbers from Rockwell; WARSAW, POLAND – In Jan- have been selected to give • Opportunities for one-on- from the same self doubt that Life on a Palette. Book and uary, a BJV article on Jewish presentations. Kogan will one conversations with every artist goes through. lyrics are by Eleanor Albano genealogy featured Yefim be presenting a talk entitled archivists from European Branded early on as a mere (who will be in attendance) Kogan of Lee, who is founder “Moldovan Archives: What repositories “illustrator” by both critics and and Anthony Barnao, with and head of the Bessarabia Information Can We Find in • Networking via popular peers, in his lifetime he never music by Ron Abel, who will Special Interest Group and is Addition to Vital Records and Special Interest Group felt fully accepted as a fine provide accompaniment on a member of the Jewish Gene- Revision Lists.” He will be meetings and luncheons artist. Ironically, these doubts piano. Both Albano and Abel alogical Society of Greater Bos- giving two more talks with a • Special “Welcome to War- haunted him deeply, even will talk and answer questions ton. These groups work under guest speaker from Moldova: saw” activities including as he experienced continued about their work. the umbrella of the Interna- “Jewish Shtetl in Moldova tours of the city and intro- financial success as an “illus- This event will take place at tional Association of Jewish Without Jews” and “Jewish ductory lectures trator.” Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road Genealogical Societies (IAJGS), Cemeteries in Bessarabia/ This production, with a in Pittsfield. The cost for this an organization of more than Moldova.” • Availability before and after cast of 7 professional perform- fundraising event is $150 per 75 Jewish genealogical organi- More than 30 Massachu- the conference of tours ers with extensive New York person. For more information, zations worldwide. setts residents plan to attend featuring Poland’s rich and Broadway experience, contact the KI office at (413) This August 5-10, Kogan the Warsaw conference, and Jewish history and visits to has minimalist sets that are 445-4872. will be in Warsaw, Poland, several of them have signif- Holocaust memorial sites primarily created through the venue for the 38th annual icant roles in organizing the The conference is co-hosted International Conference on conference. by the new POLIN Museum of Jewish Genealogy – the first Among the features of the the History of Polish Jews and time the conference has been conference will be: the Emanuel Ringelblum Jew- held in Eastern Europe. The ish Historical Institute, both in conference features presen- • More than 150 lectures, Warsaw. The conference is also Message to the Community tations and activities at all panel discussions, and planned in close cooperation levels, from beginners to workshops focusing on with the Polish State Archives, from Temple Anshe Amunim experienced genealogists. The genealogical methodology, whose resources include vital PITTSFIELD – Temple President Debora Cole-Duffy announced location affords people doing archival resources, and the records. that on July 1, 2018, Rabbi Joshua Breindel will assume a genealogical work a great op- history of Jewish commu- Registration for the Warsaw new pulpit at Congregation Beth El in Sudbury, MA. A farewell portunity, according to Kogan, nities Conference is now open with tribute in Rabbi Josh’s honor will be held on Saturday evening, “because it offers easy access • In-depth DNA workshops 600 people already registered. June 16. Debora adds, “We will celebrate Rabbi Josh’s nine years to archives for research and Visit the conference website at as this congregation’s beloved rabbi and his great contributions • An innovative “Resource for visits to ancestral towns www.iajgs2018.org for more to our Jewish and larger community. At 6 p.m., we will hold a Village” combining a in Poland and neighboring information and to register for special havdalah service and then from 6:30-9 p.m., we will hold traditional vendor exhibit countries.” the conference. a community reception to honor him with blessings, tributes, hall and a resource room The official language of the musings, good cheer, and our very best wishes.” with genealogy experts, conference will be English. Please RSVP by June 8. There is no cost to attend; however, mentors, archivists, local Speakers from at least 24 donations to the Temple’s Mitzvah fund in Rabbi Josh’s honor NGOs, and craftspeople countries on five continents will be gratefully appreciated. To RSVP, make a donation, or receive further information, please contact the Temple office at (413) 442-5910 or email [email protected]. Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 19

OBITUARIES

Leslie G. Reiche, 70, fan, which made baseball Harvey Lehrer of Lenox; Jeanne was born in 1923 strength of her beliefs and her loved the arts season rather interesting since Rhonda Frisch-Cooper and in New York, NY to May and love for her family. LENOX – Leslie G. Reiche, 70, her husband was a passionate husband Tom Cooper of Samuel Gleberman. She was Jeanne’s last years were died Friday morning, April 20, Yankees fan. Weare, NH; and Cynthia Frisch raised and educated in New spent at Kimball Farms Life- at her home. May was a member of of Lake Worth, FL. She also York City, graduating from care Community in Lenox. Born in Boston, MA on Sep- Knesset Israel and was strong leaves her grandsons Kevin New York University with a She is survived by her tember 5, 1947, the daughter in her Jewish faith, raising and Adam Lehrer and sister degree in business. She later children, Daya Singh Khalsa of Edward and Helen Katz her family to understand the Bess Saliman of Jacksonville, attended the University of (Sat Nirmal Kaur), Janet Cohn Gordon, she attended Boston importance of these values. FL. Bridgeport, where she received (Steve Krantz), and Maggie area schools and earned her May is survived by her chil- Funeral services were held her master’s degree in coun- Cohn (Dean Plummer); and BA degree. Mrs. Reiche was a dren Joe Dondey (wife Torey Thursday, April 12 at Congre- seling. Jeanne and husband, four adored granddaughters, sales representative for many and son Joey), Tom Dondey gation Shirat Hayam, Swamp- Leonard, settled and raised Hari Simran, Leah, Abby, and years for her family’s business, (wife Tracie) and Cindy Dond- scott, MA. Burial followed in their children in Stamford, Nora. Jeanne was preceded in Gordon Brothers Jewelers, of ey Dumas (husband Shawn); Pride of Lynn Cemetery. CT, becoming part of a lifelong death by her beloved husband Boston. sisters, Peggy Bush (hus- Donations may be made to community of dear friends. of 69 years, Leonard Elias She loved the arts and band Roy), Pam Parsons, and Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, She had a wonderful, full Cohn, and her brother, attending concerts at Tan- Patsy Coulter (husband Tom); Pittsfield, MA 01201; Jewish life with Leonard, traveling J. Harvey Gleberman. glewood and was an accom- brothers, Barton Mahoney and Federation of the Berkshires, around the world, attending A memorial service will take plished painter. Mike Mahoney (wife Julie), and 196 South Street, Pittsfield, concerts and theater, and place later this year. Dona- Mrs. Reiche and her hus- many other members of her MA 01201; or Hadassah. entertaining. Jeanne was a tions in her memory would band, H. Juergen Reiche, were extended family. She was pre- gifted hostess and cook, who be welcomed by the Alzhei- Jeanne Gloria married in Hamburg, Germany deceased by her husband loved making beautiful par- mer’s Foundation of America (Gleberman) Cohn, 94, on November 16, 1976. Bernie in 2011 (married 53 ties for friends and family. at www.alzfdn.org. Special Besides her husband, of years) and brother, Bill lived a wonderful, full life She was a voracious reader, a thanks to the staff at Kimball Lenox, she is also survived by Mahoney. LENOX – Jeanne Gloria passion that she passed on to Farms Nursing Care Center for her stepson Oliver Reiche Funeral services took place (Gleberman) Cohn, 94, died all her children. Everyone who their kindness and compas- and his wife Dagmar of on Monday, April 16 at the peacefully on Sunday, May 6. knew her admired her for the sion. Schuetzen, Austria; one sister Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Carol Fortune of Florida; and Funeral Home, Pittsfield, with one step-grandson. Barbara Cohen, Spiritual Lead- The funeral was held on er of Congregation Ahavath Friday, April 27 at Trinity Sholom of Great Barrington, Church, Lenox. Burial followed officiating. Burial followed in in Mountain View Cemetery. Ahavath Sholem Cemetery in Donations may be made to Pittsfield. Berkshire Humane Society Donations are suggested for in care of the Roche Funeral the Berkshire Humane Society Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, in care of the funeral home. MA 01240. Shirley P. Frisch, 90, May Dondey, 84, magnifi- leader and active in many cent sense of humor organizations PITTSFIELD – May Dondey, 84, PEABODY, MA – Shirley P. beloved wife, mother, daughter, Frisch, 90, passed peacefully sister, and friend, died peace- on Monday, April 9, after a fully on Saturday, April 14, long and full life. at Berkshire Medical Center Married to Harold Frisch surrounded by her family after for 37 years before his passing a long battle with many serious in 1986, Shirley was a teacher health conditions. and an administrator in the May enjoyed helping people Salem Public Schools. She was and could light up a room with a leader in several Jewish or- her smile. She was quick- ganizations, active in her syn- witted and had a magnificent agogue as well as in town and sense of humor. Her love and civic organizations, a writer, a support she gave to her family fabulous cook, an avid swim- was never ending. mer, and a passionate reader She was an animal lov- who led many book clubs. She er, with her cat Blaze and loved her family and friends the many “grand-cats” and dearly and loved her life, for “grand-dogs” of her children. many years, in Marblehead. May had a variety of interests. Born in New Orleans, She traveled yearly to Florida Shirley was the daughter of to see her son Tom, but some the late David and Ida Pailet. believe she really visited to She graduated from Newcomb see Tank (Tom and Tracie’s College of Tulane University Grand Champion showdog). and received her master’s de- She loved to read (starting her gree in Education from Salem own novel), bird-watching, State College. professional wrestling, and TV Left to cherish her mem- shows. ory are her daughters Susan She was an avid Red Sox Frisch Lehrer and husband a a Create a Jewish Legacy Campaign Please remember the Jewish Community in your will.

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ProgramsPrograms taketake placeplace MondaysMondays andand ThursdaysThursdays atat 10:4510:45 a.m.a.m. LunchLunch isis servedserved Mondays,Monday and Tuesdays, Thursday andat 12 Thursdays p.m, through at noon. September Beginning 3. Tuesday on June lunch 1 and resumes continuing on September through the 8. summer months, the TuesdayVenue: Knesset kosher Israel,lunch program16 Colt Rd, will Pittsfield, be on hiatus. MA. Tuesday lunches will resume in the fall.

Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, MA.

MAY Thursday, 21...... 10:45 a.m., “Addressing ‘The Fear of the Other’ in the Berkshires” with Drew Tuesday, 29...... Vegetarian chili, spinach, whole Herzig. Lunch: Fresh fish**, borscht and potato, wheat bread, peaches, coffee, tea, and milk for broccoli, baby carrots, scones, strawberry short- coffee. cake, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Thursday, 31...... 10:45 a.m., “The Art and Science Monday, 25...... 10:45 a.m., “The Unexpected of Medical Music” with Andrew Schulman. Lunch: Adventures of America’s PJ Library® Book-Gifting Fettuccine with tomato goat cheese sauce, salad, Program In Israel” with Galina Vromen. Lunch: peas, garlic bread, grapes, coffee, tea, and milk for Macaroni and cheese, cran-raspberry juice, stewed coffee. tomatoes, salad, Challah, apricots, coffee, tea, and JUNE milk for coffee. Monday, 4...... 10:45 a.m., “The Life and Work of Thursday, 28...... 10:45 a.m., “Current Affairs” with Janusz Korczak” with Mariola Strahlberg. Lunch: Meat Professor Emeritus, Steven J. Rubin. Lunch: Tuna loaf**#, gazpacho, potatoes O’Brien, Italian beans, salad and cottage cheese platters**, pineapple salad, pumpernickel bread, and tea. juice, farmer’s loaf, brownies, coffee, tea, and milk for coffee. Thursday, 7...... 10:45 a.m., “Breaking the Silence in Gyumri, Armenia” with Suzy Banks Baum (resched- JULY Linking Young uled from snow day, March 8). Lunch: Barbecued Monday, 2...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be chicken, corn, red beans and rice, coleslaw, rolls, Announced. Lunch: Hot dogs and hamburgers**#, Jewish Women in margarine and tea. tomato juice, coleslaw, potato chips, potato salad, Their Fight Against Monday, 11...... 10:45 a.m., “Listening to the Still choice of bun, watermelon, and tea. Breast Cancer Small Voice: An Illustrated Presentation of Shaker His- Thursday, 5...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be tory” with Sharon Duane Koomler. Lunch: Stir fried Announced. Lunch: Barbecued turkey**#, macaroni (866) 474-2774 chicken#, brown rice, salad, marble rye bread, salad, 3 bean salad, corn cobettes, rolls, pears, and www.sharsheret.org pineapple, and tea. tea. Thursday, 14...... 10:45 a.m., “Current Affairs” with Monday, 9...... 10:45 a.m., Program to be Professor Emeritus, Steven J. Rubin. Lunch: Spaghetti Announced. Lunch: Meat loaf**#, mashed potatoes, with spicy “seafood” sauce, Italian bread, vegeta- peas & carrots, salad, pumpernickel bread, grapes, bles, salad, garlic bread, grapes, coffee, tea, and and tea. milk for coffee Thursday, 12...... 10:45 a.m., Soil and Shul – The Monday, 18...... 10:45 a.m., “The Process of Story of a Jewish Farm Colony in the Berkshires. Lunch: Aging” with therapist, Maggie Bittman. Lunch: Turkey Fresh fish**, gazpacho, rice pilaf, Italian beans, piccata**#, zucchini rice soup, salad, oven roasted muffins, cake and ice cream, coffee, tea, and milk potatoes, mixed vegetables, potato bread, peaches, for coffee. and tea. Like us on Facebook: • Jewish Federation of the Berkshires • PJ Library Berkshire County Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 21

BERKSHIRE JEWISH VOICES Traveling with Jewish Taste Breaking Bread By Carol Goodman Kaufman

They say that man cannot live by bread is malawah, a layered fried bread brought to Israel by Yemenite immigrants. We alone, but the Jewish culinary treasure chest devoured both sweet and savory versions of this flaky, pancake-like bread, served overflows with such delicious options that fol- with a selection of toppings including sautéed spinach, chopped hardboiled eggs, lowing such a diet might be tolerable. After all, zhug, and honey. We fell so hard for this bread that we vowed to find a source for who could say “no” to a buffet of bagels, bialys, it upon return home. Unfortunately, only the frozen version was available, and rye bread, challah, pita, malawah, and even none locally. Luckily, with the rise of interest in world cultures and foods, recipes matzah? are now easy to come by. The first Jewish bread to get a lot of press Baking bread fills your home with unbeatable aromas and your belly with sus- was probably matzah. We are told that when tenance. Breaking it with family and friends is a life-affirming experience. our ancestors fled Egypt, they did so in such a hurry that their bread did not rise, thus giving us the Passover staple. Forgive the heresy, but I suspect that the matzah of 4,000 (give or take) years ago was not perfectly square, with paral- lel lines of perforation. And there was probably no cream cheese and jam to make it palatable. No, it probably was more like lavash, the Middle Eastern flat bread. And that lavash probably got very hard and dry in the desert heat – sort of like Malawah shmurah matzah, but definitely not square. And while most people today buy their matzah in boxes marked Goodman’s or Streit’s or Manischewitz or Yehudah, saving us from having to make it ourselves, many communities hold annual matzah baking workshops at which participants can try their hand at getting the bread from mixing bowl to oven in less than 18 minutes. It’s a fun way to relive at least part of the exodus experience. Challah wouldn’t have appeared on the table until after Sinai, once we got Shabbat. My Bubby Fannie, who was a most spectacular cook and baker, made a fabulous, slightly sweet version of the egg-infused bread. An avid consumer of her cooking, I asked her to write down her recipes for posterity. Her response: until I could read, write, and speak Yiddish, no dice. (It didn’t matter that I knew Hebrew. It was Yiddish or nothing.) Unfortunately, she didn’t issue that directive until two months before she died, so I have spent my entire adult life attempting to duplicate her challah. The one rule she did share with me: use unbleached flour only. Perhaps the bread most associated with immigrant Jews in North America is the bagel. Paired with lox, cream cheese, and the New York Times, the bagel is the ubiquitous Sunday brunch food. Whether New York or Montreal, the roll-with-a- hole is always boiled before baking, just as my other bubby, Sarah Deborah, did, giving it a dense and chewy interior. The New York bagel differs from its Montreal cousin in that the latter is smaller, thinner, sweeter, denser, with a larger hole, and always baked in a Serves 8 wood-fired oven. Both types of bagel have their proponents, often vocal. Bagel’s cousin, the bialy, (shortened from bialystoker kuchen) is harder to find, The old adage tells us that it is the buttered side of the bread that will fall to although I can’t understand why because they are delicious and, frankly, easier the floor. While all sides of this treat are buttered, you will be thankful for it. to make. The slightly crispier bread roll that originated in Bialystok, Poland is not boiled before baking. And, rather than a hole in the middle, it and has a depres- sion over which are strewn onions and poppy seeds. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the other star of the delicatessen, the Ingredients: quintessential sandwich bread: the rye, and its darker relative, pumpernickel. My heart breaks when I hear people order pastrami on white bread, and I feel the 4 cups all-purpose flour need to establish a Deli 101 class for these poor, uneducated souls. On the other 1 tablespoon sugar hand, my heart rejoices when I manage to get to the West Stockbridge farmers 1 tablespoon kosher salt market in time to snag a loaf or two from the Pittsfield Rye Bakery. Wonderfully ¾ teaspoon baking powder chewy crust with a soft, but not too soft, interior, the rye bread of my youth – and 1½ cups water my oldth – is the best on the planet. 1 stick butter, melted Pita burst onto the American scene in the 1970s, when all things Israeli sud- denly became trendy. Students returning from youth group trips and volunteer stints on kibbutzim brought with them a love of falafel, hummus, and the bread Directions: so necessary to enjoy both. However, even today, finding pita that doesn’t taste like the cardboard found in most grocery stores requires detective skills worthy of Prepare two baking sheets by lining with lightly buttered parchment paper. Miss Marple. (I refer you to my recipe for soft, fluffy pita in the April 7, 2014 issue In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. of the Berkshire Jewish Voice.) Make a well in the center and slowly add the water, stirring with your hands Finally, we come to a bread that I didn’t discover until a beautiful summer or a wooden spoon, until all ingredients are incorporated. You may need to day in 1994. On the terrace at the old Yemenite Step restaurant on Yoel Moshe add more water, depending on how well absorbed it is. Salomon Street in Jerusalem, we were introduced to the heaven-on-earth that Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Wipe the bowl clean and lightly coat it with oil, then place the dough inside and cover with a kitchen towel to let rest 30 minutes. Turn the dough onto a clean surface and cut into 8 even pieces. Brush with butter, then cover and let rest another 30 minutes. Roll out each ball of dough into a very thin rectangle. Starting from long edge of the rectangle, fold over the dough in 1-inch Holiday Catering and Gift Cards Available increments until a long rope is created. Coil the rope and place on the baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough. Let stand for 45 minutes. Use a rolling pin to flatten the coil into 8-inch circles. Lightly butter a large non-stick or cast iron pan and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, but not smoking, add a piece of the flattened dough to the pan and turn the stove to medium. Cook the dough 1 to 2 minutes per side until it is golden brown. BERKSHIRE RECORD’S BEST OF 2018 Serve with your choice of accompaniments (sautéed spinach, zhug, hard- Berkshire Record’s ‘Best of the 2017’ boiled eggs, honey, or even chocolate sauce). – VOTEDVoted Best BEST Bagel BAGEL Shop SHOP and & BestNEW New YORK York STYLE Style DELI Deli One Bite of our Famous PotatoWELCOME Latkes... IN SUMMER You’ll WITHKnow OUR LOBSTER ROLLS AND OUR Carol Goodman Kaufman is a psychologist and author with a passion for travel It’s Time to Celebrate Chanukah, and food. She is currently at work on a food history/cookbook, tracing the paths HOMEMADEthe Festival GAZPACHOof Lights! that some of our favorite foods have taken from their origins to appear on dinner plates and in cultural rites and artifacts around the world. She invites readers to read her blog at carolgoodmankaufman.com and to follow her on Twitter @goodmankaufman. Page 22 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 Calendar – Ongoing Events Around the Community Continuous – Chabad of the Berkshires and Meditation” with Nina Lipkowitz, Berkshire mountains. Silence, chanting, exploration of the purpose, development “Smile on Seniors,” or “S.O.S.,” volunteer a certified Kripalu and Jewish yoga and and meditation designed to help prepare and form of mitzvot. This curriculum, de- program to serve senior citizens in the meditation teacher. Check https://hevreh. for Shabbat. All welcomed. Information: veloped by the American Jewish University Berkshires. Information for families who org/calendar/ for updates. All levels wel- (413) 663-5830 and www.cbiweb.org. of Los Angeles, introduces participants to can benefit and volunteers: Rabbi Levi come. Contact Nina at ninalipkowitz@ some of the most compelling thinkers of Fridays, once a month at 5:30 p.m. Volovik at (413) 499-9899 or visit www. gmail.com with any questions. the contemporary Conservative move- (followed by a family style Shabbat jewishberkshires.com. ment and guides them towards greater Wednesdays – at Knesset Israel, “En- dinner at 6:30 p.m.) – Knesset Israel, understanding of the role of mitzvot in Monthly, fourth or fifth Sunday – Vol- hanced Prayer Class for Adults” 10:00- 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Shirei Shabbat their lives. unteers from Congregation Beth Israel, 11:30 a.m. at 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield, KI (“Songs of Shabbat”). Unique service 53 Lois Street, North Adams “Take and library. What are we saying when we read combines melodies from Carlebach, Deb- Saturday afternoons – “Exodus Inspi- Eat” program cook, package, and deliver prayers at a service? How does the siddur bie Friedman, and Camp Ramah to create rations,” with Rabbi David Weiner. Please hot meals for all North Adams clients of language connect with my life today? How a ruach filled (“spirited”) family friendly check with the KI website for times (which “Meals on Wheels.” Information: (413) can I build my Hebrew reading fluency experience. Cost for dinner $20 adult; $15 coincide with evening services) and dates. 663-5830 or [email protected]. and practice my reading skills? How can teen, children free. Dinner reservations are Our people’s central story – our journey I be more comfortable with the language due by the Monday before services. Next from slavery to freedom, from Mitzrayim to Sundays (second of each month) – and process of prayer? Facilitated by event: June 15. Full information: (413) the Promised Land – sparks innumerable Berkshire Hills Society of Israeli Philatelists Myrna Hammerling. Newcomers always 445-4872, ext 10. conversations in every generation. Join in meet. Discuss Israeli and American stamps. welcome. Information: (413) 445-4872, study of passages of Tanhuma Shemot, a Coffee and donuts. Information: Ed He- Saturdays at 8:45 a.m. – at Hevreh, 270 ext. 16. creative 5th century commentary on the litzer, (413) 447-7622, daytime. State Road in Great Barrington. Every Book of Exodus, and enjoy the ensuing Wednesday, 7-9 p.m. – Beginning on Shabbat morning, gather in Rabbi Neil Tuesdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. – discussions. May 31 through concert on August 15, Hirsch’s study and dive into the less-often Torah Portion of the Week study group B’Shalom Chorale rehearsals at Hevreh of read books of the Bible. All are welcome to at Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield. Southern Berkshire. Men and women of begin the day with coffee while studying Facilitator Myrna Hammerling guides all faiths are invited to join. Membership and relaxing on Shabbat. Sessions will the group through the triennial cycle, Knesset Israel fee: $50 For info, please email founder be between 45 and 60 minutes. Please year-round in the KI Library. Newcomers 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield and coordinator Cantor Mekler at bsha- be in touch with Rabbi Hirsch for further always welcome to this gathering of [email protected] or call (413) information: [email protected]. ONGOING MINYANS students of diverse ages, backgrounds, 418-1836. Sunday 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. and perspectives who search together Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. – “Torah Plus: Tuesday 7 p.m. Thursdays (fourth of each month) – to deepen understanding of our foun- Exploring Jewish Text and Culture.” Join Friday 7 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. dational text. Free. Information: (413) Hadassah Book Club. For times, locations Rabbi Josh Breindel for a conversation Saturday 9:30 a.m. and evenings 445-4872, ext. 16. of meetings, and further information based on the texts of the Jewish people approximately 30 minutes before sunset about the books: Roz Kolodny at (413) and reflection on what it means to be Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m. – “The Book of 243-2077 or [email protected]. Jewish. All texts are offered in English. CANDLE-LIGHTING Deuteronomy” at Knesset Israel. Please Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street, check with KI for dates. Classes taught by Fridays, last of month, time varies June 1 ...... 8:05 p.m. Pittsfield. Free. Open to the public. Infor- Rabbi David Weiner who is guiding an with candle lighting – Chabad of the mation (413) 442-5910 or templeoffice@ June 8...... 8:10 p.m. in-depth exploration of a revolutionary Berkshires’ “Friday Night Live,” traditional ansheamunim.org. book of the Torah that continues to shape Kabbalat Shabbat service. Information: June 15...... 8:14 p.m. Jewish thought and practice to this day. (413) 499-9899 or visit www.jewishberk- Saturdays at 9 a.m. – “Walking with June 22...... 8:15 p.m. Texts are in English. shires.com. Mitzvot,” with Judith Weiner. Classes fol- June 29...... 8:16 p.m. lowing the schedule of the Knesset Israel Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays, at 9:00 a.m. – Meditation with Hebrew School. Judith Weiner leads an – Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 Rabbi Rachel Barenblat in the Congre- State Road, Great Barrington, offers an gation Beth Israel sanctuary, 53 Lois hour of “Shalom Yoga, Gentle Stretch Street, North Adams, overlooking the Schedule a visit to learn more about our BCD compelling curriculum has it all! that connects the dots! INTENTIONAL INDEPENDENT INSPIRED

Preschool through Grade 9: Voted Now Enrolling for Fall 2018 “Best Private School 413.637.0755 x116 in the Berkshires! ” [email protected] 55 Interlaken Rd (Route 183), Stockbridge, MA berkshirecountryday.org Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 23

NEWS Jews and Catholics Propose a Holocaust Memorial Near Albany By Lois Goldrich TEANECK, NJ (Jewish a Holocaust memorial. Bishop trance onto the highway. The are underway Standard via JTA) – Perhaps Edward Scharfenberger, who town Planning Board unani- with its leaders to because he has spent so heads the Roman Catholic mously recommended that the “share thoughts many years working to restore Diocese of Albany, offered to town allow the memorial, and and opinions.” abandoned Jewish cemeteries provide a newly acquired piece Niskayuna Town Board held a Lozman said in Eastern Europe, Michael of church property next to the public hearing about the pro- that, despite the Lozman has come to believe Catholic cemetery. posal on April 10, but hasn’t pushback, “most that the lessons of the Holo- “Since it had not yet been reached a decision. people overwhelm- caust must be disseminated as consecrated, he could deed “Niskayuna is an excellent ingly see the widely as possible. this to our foundation,” location,” he said. “The town bigger, long-term That has meant erecting a Lozman said. has a great school system, picture. This is memorial in Grosovo, Belarus, “It’s an extremely important high employment, and is a educational, so JEWISH STANDARD where almost 300 Jews were step forward,” he added. “It model community. In years that when one Michael Lozman, left, and Bishop Edward killed and buried; bringing shows a great deal of sen- to come, this memorial will goes there, they Scharfenberger going over plans for an students to Eastern Europe to sitivity to the effects of the become an important land- have the sense, interfaith Holocaust memorial outside stay with village families and Holocaust. The bishop is to be mark that the community will the feeling, of what Albany, N.Y. learn more about the Shoah; commended for his willingness be proud of because it will the Jews went and now heading efforts to and enthusiasm.” be an expression of people through. We are build an ambitious Holocaust The memorial, which will caring enough to help educate going to have kiosks along the condition of the cemeteries. memorial near his home in a cost an estimated $1.4 mil- against hatred and express pathway with signage explain- With the Jews killed and most suburb of Albany. lion that Lozman is raising hope for a better tomorrow.” ing the symbolism of the items synagogues burned, with- “It all comes together,” he through his own foundation, And yet not everyone is on used in the memorial. It will out an effort to fence in and said. “I spent the past 16 years will incorporate a railroad board with Lozman’s proposal. also provide a historical per- restore the cemeteries, “there restoring cemeteries in East- boxcar, railroad tracks in the Some neighbors don’t want spective of what the Holocaust would be no physical evidence ern Europe, and when I came shape of a star of David and a so grim a memorial nearby, was all about and information that the Jews were there,” he back home, I realized that large wall meant to represent a and even some local Jews are on how many others were said. this was a project I wanted to gas chamber, all enclosed by a objecting to its design and the killed in the Shoah as well.” “This is a way to preserve do. Albany does not have an wire fence. process for its approval. Lozman said he anticipates Jewish history,” he added. appropriate Holocaust memo- Lozman imagines the effect “I did not move in [to that students who visit the Lozman has worked hard rial.” will be “similar to visiting the Niskayuna] to be next to a memorial will have learned to spread his message, but, he Lozman, an orthodontist Vietnam Memorial, [so that] Holocaust concentration about the Holocaust in their said, “If there was no Holo- from Latham, NY, whose father one would be drawn into the camp,” Marjorie Knickerbock- schools, and that teachers will caust, none of this work would came from a small village in memorial, to be changed by er, a neighbor, told The Daily accompany them to the site to be necessary. I’m doing it for Belarus and later emigrated to the hard truth of what they Gazette. offer further instruction. He the victims of the Holocaust. the United States, has pro- are seeing. It is not designed One child of Holocaust hopes that school buses will What else can you do for posed an outdoor memorial to be shocking, but by sym- survivors, Mishka Luft, told make their first stop at the them? They deserve to have near New York’s capital city bolism, to portray a shocking the Albany Times Union that Jewish federation building in their family cemeteries pre- that has the added benefit of history.” the design for the memorial is Albany, where they will receive served and their family names being an interfaith project. The proposed memorial will “misappropriating symbols of additional information about preserved. Lozman noted that this be in Niskayuna, a suburb the death camp.” the Shoah. “It’s for the victims, but it’s might be the first time in the that is both close to Albany After initial complaints that Lozman’s interest in Holo- also preserving our Jewish United States that a Catholic and on a major highway. The Lozman didn’t coordinate his caust commemoration began heritage.” diocese has joined with the memorial will be buffered by plans with the local Jewish when he visited his father’s Jewish community to develop trees and have its own en- federation, he says meetings village and saw the deplorable

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On the first track on Parlia- illustrate insights about the best figured out how to con- to be standing in relation to ev- ment’s Mothership Connection (predominantly Ashkenazic) nect to a worldview and work eryone else at any given time.” album, bandleader George Jewish sensibility better than economically within it was This positions Jews as “one Clinton assumes the perso- any writer since Leo Rosten in Jacob Roy, aka Rodney Dan- half of an eternally returning na of a disc jockey who has The Joy of Yiddish. While Ro- gerfield, whose iconic line “I comedy double act” in which just taken over the airwaves sten’s dictionary uses jokes to don’t get no respect” conjured foils may be other Jews, other to spread the gospel of funk explain the meanings – social an entire comic landscape in ethnicities, or even God. music. The deejay talks over and cosmic – of Yiddish words, which his absurd rapid fire Baum understands that the subdued grooves that are peri- Baum’s considerable achieve- punchlines made absolute log- Jewish People’s relationship odically interrupted by revved ment is to use the jokes them- ical sense. Baum shows how to the Supreme Being over the up hooks where the musicians selves to explain how Jewish Jewish humor covers far more millennia is the other founda- start to jam and a chorus humor works. of life’s vicissitudes than mere tional component of Jewish breaks in with the full-throat- Explanation is where most disrespect. In the introduction, humor. Many of us cherish the ed demand to “Make my funk books exploring Jewish humor she wonders what explains sentiment “a Mensch tracht, un the PFunk!” bog down. Baum, in contrast, the “miraculous longevity of Gott lacht” (Man strives, and But as the song winds up, doesn’t much try to explain the Jewish joke,” and alights God laughs), but the fulcrum something remarkable hap- what’s going on in a joke – in a on one key reason – the jokes’ of many a Jewish joke is that, pens: the musicians and voic- manner akin to the Parliament connection to enduring, im- in regards to humankind, God es you’ve heard holding down funkateers playing around a mutable human nature. She strives, too, and to no avail. subterranean writes: “Because,” as Baum observes, groove, Baum “when you get a shlemiel peo- The Jewish Joke is the most is a minimalist Does the full pantheon ple, you’re bound to get a shli- astute and artful exploration who weaves her of Jewish comedy with mazel God.” In other words: Baum sees Jewish jokes as narrative around all its parading fools – emanating from the perspec- of Jewish humor I’ve ever the fundamental its shmucks, shlemiels, God: And remember, tive of a historically shunned Jewish worldview shlimazels, shnorrers, Moses, in the laws of outsider people, and that Jew- come across – and maybe underpinning the shmendricks, (sh)moth- keeping kosher, never cook ish humor is widely accessible the only truly funny book jokes, and then ers…ramp up these various a calf in its mother’s milk. because anyone who may uses the jokes differences simply in order It is cruel. have had the experience of of its sort to connect with to disguise the overarching Moses: Ohhhhh! So you are being a shunned outsider that worldview fact that any and every Jew saying we should never eat – i.e., just about everyone – to hilarious and answering to the name is milk and meat together. can relate. And if the Tribe’s the groove mostly fall away, meaningful effect. not only ‘in’ on the joke, brand of humor can seem and those few that remain be- As brevity is the soul of but the butt of it? God: No, what I’m saying aggressive at its core, Baum gin to play wispily around the wit (in both senses of the is never cook a calf in its Or to put it slightly differ- sums up that “given the ca- pulse of the funk, which is no word, humor and wisdom), it mother’s milk. ently: pacity of the funny to sustain longer being expressed instru- helps that The Jewish Joke is Moses: Oh, Lord, forgive my differences, contradictions Q: How do you tell the dif- mentally, yet somehow con- compact, actually an extend- ignorance! What you are and uncertainties rather than ference between a shlemiel tinues to seem present despite ed essay. The first indication really saying is we should seeking their obliteration, it’s and a shlimazel? its actual absence. Even when that Baum fully appreciates wait six hours after eating generally a better way of deal- the funk seems to be missing, the need to stick to business A: The shlemiel is the one meat to eat milk so that the ing with aggression than the it remains uncannily funda- is the table of contents, which who slips up and spills his two are not in our stom- alternatives.” mental. Bottom line – you’re divides her text into a brief soup over the shlimazel. achs. The Jewish Joke is a hugely dealing with something pretty expository introduction, the funny and deeply insightful deep. main section called “Less This brief excerpt will give God: No, Moses, what I’m exploration of the topic, all the Which may seem like a Essay, More Examples,” and you an idea of how Baum saying is, don’t cook a calf better for being engineered strange way to begin a re- a brief summary chapter. I works throughout The Jewish in its mother’s milk! so meticulously by Devorah Joke. (She adds that the jokes view of a book about Jewish laughed out loud from begin- Moses: Oh, Lord! Please Baum, whose skills as a in the book fall into two cate- humor, but bear with me. Let ning to end even though I’ve don’t strike me down for my tummler are every bit as sharp gories, those that illustrate the me say right out that Devorah elsewhere encountered at least stupidity! What you mean as her skills as a scholar. She arguments of her essay, and Baum’s The Jewish Joke is 90 percent of the jokes – in is we should have a sepa- made me laugh, she made me those that are too good to leave the most astute and artful part because Baum positions rate set of dishes for milk think, and so I urge you – buy out). After positing that Jewish exploration of Jewish humor the jokes in just the right plac- and a separate set for meat this book. humor revolves around certain I’ve ever come across – and es within her narrative, in part and if we make a mistake The Jewish Joke, by universally identifiable human maybe the only truly funny because she reworks them we have to bury that dish Devorah Baum was published archetypes, Baum writes that book of its sort of the many I with such linguistic precision outside… in May by Pegasus Books, have read over the decades. that they are revealed as the “as different as we may well be $22.95. God: Ach, do whatever you Baum, a lecturer in English parables about human nature from each other, we’re all, sure- want… Literature and Critical Theory and cosmic design that they ly, alike in this: our identities at the University of Southamp- are in essence. are not so much fixed, as a ton in England, uses jokes to The Jewish comedian who matter of where it is we happen

BERKSHIRE JEWISH CONGREGATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

Berkshire Minyan Congregation Ahavath Sholom Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Lay-led egalitarian minyan Reconstructionist 196 South St., Pittsfield, MA held at Hevreh of Southern North St., Great Barrington, MA (413) 442-4360 jewishberkshires.org Welcome to the Berkshire, 270 State Rd., (413) 528-4197, ahavathsholom.com Jewish Berkshires Great Barrington, MA Jewish War Veterans Congregation Beth Israel Commander Robert Waldheim Everyone is welcome to attend (413) 229-3618, berkshireminyan.org Reform (413) 822-4546, [email protected] services and events at any of the Berkshire Hills Hadassah 53 Lois St., North Adams, MA organizations listed here. P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA (413) 663-5830, cbiweb.org Knesset Israel Conservative (413) 443-4386, Please call the organizations Hevreh of Southern Berkshire 16 Colt Rd., Pittsfield, MA [email protected] Reform directly to confirm service times (413) 445-4872, knessetisrael.org B’nai B’rith Lodge, No. 326 270 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA or to inquire about membership. (413) 528-6378, hevreh.org Temple Anshe Amunim Chabad of the Berkshires Reform Learn more about our Jewish 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA Israel Philatelist Society 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA community and find great (413) 499-9899, c/o Dr. Ed Helitzer (413) 442-5910, ansheamunim.org events on the community jewishberkshires.com calendar at: JEWISHBERKSHIRES.ORG ______Sivan/Tammuz 5778 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org Page 25

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kle Havdalah and reading of clude lunch featuring recipes Coming this July – the Second Annual Leslea Newman’s Sparkle Boy. from the book. Children and parents will have For more information, or Berkshire Jewish Festival of Books the opportunity to get their to make reservations, call sparkle on, and enjoy a hands- Hevreh at (413) 528-6378, or GREAT BARRINGTON – The Everett Family Foundation on Havdalah and some sweet visit hevreh.org. Hevreh will Berkshires’ second annual Book of the Year. Shabbat treats. All of the other also have books available for Jewish Festival of Books will The festival ends with festival events will also offer advance purchase in the lob- take place at Hevreh of South- another literary lioness and refreshments, and The Healthy by, which the authors will be ern Berkshire from Thursday, National Jewish Book Award Jewish Kitchen event will in- happy to sign at the festival. July 26 through Sunday, July winner on its closing day, on 29. Sunday, July 29th at 10 a.m., Co-presented by Hevreh when Rachel Kadish reads and the Jewish Federation of from and discusses her latest the Berkshires, in partnership novel, the The Weight of Ink, Blue and White Bagels with the Jewish Book Council which interweaves the story and with the generous sup- of two remarkable women and for Bookfest port of the Harold Grinspoon scholars – a 17th century Jew- Hevreh of Southern Berkshire and The Great Barrington Bagel Company & Foundation, the festival will ish scribe in London and the Deli are collaborating on a very special fundraiser for the Berkshires’ Jewish feature free and fee-based lec- 21st century researcher who Festival of Books in honor of Israel’s 70th Anniversary. tures, teachings, and readings discovers her. In honor of Francine by internationally-acclaimed In between these two signa- Klagsbrun’s appearance, Israel’s authors in genres ranging ture events, other highlights of Francine Klagsbrun 70th Anniversary, and Prime from adult fiction to children’s the festival include the follow- Minister Meir herself, The Great literature to cookbooks. ing: Barrington Bagel Company & The opening night au- On Friday, July 27 at ing Judaism: How Civic Engage- Deli has created a special Golda thor on Thursday, July 26 at 10:45 a.m. renowned Jewish ment is Good for Synagogues, Lox sandwich on a blue and 7 p.m. is Jewish and feminist cookbook author Paula Shoyer Jews, and America. Rabbi white bagel, the colors of Israel’s icon Francine Klagsbrun who, discusses her latest book, The Schindler is Rabbi Emerita of flag. For every sandwich sold among the more than a dozen Healthy Jewish Kitchen. Who Temple Beth El in Charlotte, between Memorial Day on May books she has authored, also knew there was such a thing? NC, and the Sklut Professor of 28, and the end of the festival edited The First Ms. Reader, That evening, on Friday, Jewish Studies and Director on July 29, Barrington Bagel will and Free to Be ... You and Me. July 27, following the 6:15 p.m. of the Stan Greenspon Center donate $1 to the book festival MOSHE MILNER CREDIT: Ms. Klagsbrun will be discuss- Shabbat evening service, and for Peace and Social Justice at to support its aim of bringing “Golda Lox? I love it!” ing her latest book, Lioness, again at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Queens University of Charlotte. world class authors to the Berkshires each summer. the definitive biography of July 28 immediately following Then on Saturday, July 28 Barrington Bagel has also generously offered to contribute $1 to the festi- Golda Meir. The book won the Shabbat morning services at at 4 p.m., as part of the val for each sale of half-pound and one pound prepackaged lox from the top prize at this year’s Nation- 10 a.m, Rabbi Judith Schindler internationally acclaimed cooler. Miniature Golda action figures will also be available for sale at the al Jewish Book Awards when will share separate teachings Drag Queen Story Hour, the counter as will Ms. Klagsbrun’s book. it was recognized as the from her latest book, Recharg- festival will feature a Spar- Coming Attractions – Jewish Film Festival Israel Wins Eurovision Song Contest Returns This July (JTA) — For the fourth time in its four decades of partici- LENOX – The Berkshire pating in the Eurovision song Jewish Film Festival (BJFF), contest, Israel has won the one of the longest-running international competition. film festivals in the United The song “Toy” by Netta States, is proud to announce Barzilai, 24, secured Israel’s its 32nd season. Held on six victory at the Eurovision con- Mondays from July 9 through test this year at the Finals on August 13 in the Duffin May 12 in Lisbon, Portugal. Theater, BJFF will present The victory means Israel will thirteen films hailing from the host the event next year. United States, Israel, France, Barzilai’s song is a warning Ireland, Germany, and Latin to a boy not to treat her like America. a toy. The festival opens on Israel’s song, which is per-

July 9 with The Oslo Diaries formed in English, has consis- (PEDRO GOMES/GETTY IMAGES VIA JTA) (4 p.m.), a documentary tently been ranked on betting Singer Netta Barzilai waves to the audience at Altice Arena in about a group of Israelis and sites in first place or at least Lisbon after Israel’s song “Toy” is announced winner of the 2018 Palestinians who secretly in the top three at the festival, Eurovision Song Contest. come together in Oslo for a hugely popular phenome- unsanctioned peace talks non in Europe that combines and was inspired by the #Me- “You have brought the during the 1990s. Also elements of “American Idol”- Too movement, she has said. State of Israel a lot of pride. screening on July 9 is A Bag style song competitions and “The song has an important Next year in Jerusalem!” wrote of Marbles (8 p.m.), the story The Berkshire Jewish Film the Olympic Games. The score message,” she is quoted as Netanyahu on Twitter to Netta. of the Nazi occupation through Festival is supported by the is determined by points given telling the Daily Express before Speaking about the chick- the eyes of two young Jewish Greylock Federal Credit Union, by the contest’s official juries winning the contest, which en noises she makes during boys struggling to survive on the Harold Grinspoon Founda- and by callers. “Toy” won the features artists from dozens the song, she told Wiwibloggs: their own. tion, the Spitz-Tuchman match with a combined score of countries in and around “The noises are supposed to For a calender of festival Charitable Trust, and Berk- of 529 points, giving it a huge Europe, plus Australia. imitate the voices of a cow- films, please see the Berkshire shire Bank. All seating is lead of 93 points over Cyprus, “The awakening of female ard – a chicken. Someone who Jewish Summer insert in this general admission. Season which came in second, and a power and social justice, doesn’t act the way he/she month’s BJV. And please pick passes are available at www. 187-point lead over Austria in wrapped in a colorful, happy feels and treats you like a toy.” up the next edition of the BJV berkshirejewishfilmfestival.org third place. The score for “Toy” vibe,” she said. The three Israeli songs that (out July 2) for an article by or (413) 445-4872, ext. 10. was the fourth-highest in the Israeli Prime Minister had won the contest before members of the festival’s selec- The Duffin Theater is contest’s history. Benjamin Netanyahu congrat- “Toy” – “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” in 1978, tion committee sharing their located in Lenox Memorial The track by Barzilai, ulated Netta and indicated “Hallelujah” in 1979, and thoughts on which special High School, 197 East Street whose stage name is Netta, is that the festival next year will Dana International’s “Diva” in films moved them, and why. in Lenox. about female empowerment be hosted in Jerusalem. 1998 — were sung in Hebrew.

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At 560 pages, this and we’re being invited to tainly do that too – but, more July 26 through Sunday, is a biiig book. Then again, experience no emotion deeper importantly, in the emotional July 29. (For more informa- from someone who’s written than outrage…but there are a and psychological details. You tion, see the article on page another novel called Tolstoy lot of us out there who want write as convincingly about 25.) Lied: a Love Story, perhaps to think, who want to feel, love as you do about pattens Wrapping up the festival that’s not surprising. Picking who don’t want to just act and which, by the way, I had never will be author Rachel Kadish, up on that love story sub- speak reflexively, and I think heard of before reading your discussing her National title, whereas some novels a book that invites you to book. So, I guess my decid- Jewish Book Award- are a one night stand, yours really have that full immersive edly unliterary question after winning novel The Weight is definitely a relationship experience gives us something all of that is how the hell did of Ink, which interweaves and, as a literary serial mo- as human beings that we all you pull this off? And before the story of two remarkable nogamist myself, let me just desperately need in this crazy you respond to that, maybe women and scholars – a 17th say that your book is one of culture we’re living in. you should tell people what century Jewish scribe in Lon- the best literary relationships AD: Rachel, now that we pattens are. Rachel Kadish don, and the 21st century re- I’ve ever been in. RK: These things searcher who discovers her. It Rachel Kadish: Thank that people would strap price, and a woman like [the will be the second recent visit you. History was never this on the bottoms of their protagonist of the novel] Ester for the bestselling author, who AD: No, thank you. That fine shoes [in the 17th Velasquez also would have had appeared at the Federation’s said, though, from your abstract thing that you Century] to keep them to pay a big price. Knosh & Knowledge program perspective as the author, read about in books…it protected from what AD: Masada looms over in March. why do you think readers was on the streets of your story figuratively and Kadish is the author of two should take the plunge and was always kind of pop- the cities. That was one literally. What role does this other novels – From a Sealed make the commitment? ping up and smacking you of many many details I recurring motif play for your Room, and Tolstoy Lied: a Love Which, I guess, is another had to learn along the characters and for you person- Story – as well as the novella way of saying what will they in the head. So, the mar- way. ally? I Was Here. She also teaches get from being in meaningful riage between past and AD: Well, there’s the RK: Good catch. The role it in the MFA Creative Writing relationship with The Weight research of the period, played was a lot bigger [in the program at Lesley University of Ink? present feels very natural but there’s also the earlier drafts of the novel]. We in Cambridge, MA. RK: Well, I’ll speak not research of the human all know the Masada story, but Avi Dresner, co-chair of just for my own work, but to me. heart as well. the way we know it is because the festival, had the privilege for the power of long books RK: Thank you. Well, two women refused mass of interviewing Ms. Kadish via in general. I personally like know each other a little better, I really took my time on it – suicide and hid in a cave with Skype in April, and this is an a book to feel like a relation- I’d like to take the relationship twelve years. The marriage be- children, and told their story excerpt of their conversation. ship, or like a seven-course metaphor I used earlier a bit tween the past and the present to Josephus. They chose slav- meal. We’re living in an age of further, and propose marriage. has always felt very natural to ery rather than martyrdom. So Twitter – of shouting and in- And what I mean by that is me because I grew up among I wanted to write something stant reactions – where we’re that your novel marries past some tremendous storytellers, about what happens when and present, historical and my grandparents on one women refuse martyrdom, and and fictional, well- side were Holocaust survi- refuse the culturally sanc- known public figures vors. So, history was never tioned trope that “to be a good and unknown private this abstract thing that you person you give everything Being selected means a lot to us. ones, sweeping societal read about in books…it was up.” transformations and always kind of popping up and AD: I want to loop back personal tribulations, smacking you in the head. So, on your Twitter comment and you do it all so the marriage between past and from before because, in this seamlessly, authenti- present feels very natural to historical moment of Me Too, cally and beautifully. me and, in fact, it would feel we are clearly in a – if not But, before I get to my very unnatural not to have THE – Year of the Woman. main question about that. All of the other authors who all of that, I’ve got an AD: What surprised you will be appearing with you at ancillary one. How do the most in researching and the festival are women, most you feel about Kadish writing the book? of whom have written books puns? RK: I didn’t know that featuring very strong women RK: Knock yourself London’s Jews [in this period] characters, including femi- out. You get points for came from Amsterdam, and nist icon and fellow National actually pronouncing were Sephardic Portuguese Jewish Book Award winner, it right – Kay-dish, not Inquisition Refugees…and I Francine Klagsbrun, who will Kah-dish. didn’t know about Spinoza, be opening the festival with But it means even more to you. AD: Good. So, in who got a fire and brimstone her biography of Golda Meir, addition to being an lifetime ban from the Jewish Lioness. So, where and how do avowed punster, I fancy community in Amsterdam. you think The Weight of Ink fits aking this list is no small feat. First, firms must meet myself a pretty good AD: Rachel, Baruch in in this moment in history, specific requirements, not the least being registered writer, but I must say Spinoza plays an important and how conscious were you M that your novel had me role in the novel so, for those of that when you were writing investment advisors. Once they are met, then the editors sitting Kay-dish for my of our readers who think he’s it, which I assume was way of Financial Times ask those firms to be considered for putative literary talent. a Chasidic hip-hop deejay, before this wave crested? further evaluation. RK: [laughter] You who was he really, and what RK: We write what we win the prize for the purpose does he serve in the have in us to write, and this This is neither a “pay-to-play” advertising product, a peer first successful Kadish book? is what I had in me to write. I review nor a popular vote campaign. pun. RK: I think you’ve got wasn’t waving any flag when AD: Thank you but, something there with Chasidic I sat down to work. I will say, In the simplest of terms it means that all of us work in speaking of success, hip-hop deejay. Spinoza was a though, that I believe in the your best interest. That in and of itself is invaluable to our I don’t think I’ve ever radical Enlightenment philos- power of historical fiction to clients, the industry and our integrity. encountered a writer of opher. And his excommunica- retrieve lost stories. Ester historical fiction who’s tion shows what you risked in Velasquez is a fictional char- Have a conversation with Gary Schiff, Managing Director, succeeded in mak- this community in order to tell acter—but I believe she could at the number listed below. He’ll fill you in on details that ing both the past and the truth. Spinoza paid a big easily have existed. The prob- helped us make this year’s Financial Times FT300. lem is that women who worked under men’s names will never ERKSHIRE show up in the historical re- B cord. To fill in the missing OOFING & record of women’s stories, you R need history, but you also R UTTER CO. need historical fiction. G AD: Rachel, I mentioned the National Jewish Book 103 West Park Street 413-298-1029413 298 1029 www.BGRCo.net Award earlier. What was it like Lee MA 01238 CEDAR ROOF to win it? And I ask mainly 413-243-4331 STANDING SEAM METAL because I want to be ready for ASPHALT SHINGLES it when they give me one for Written Estimates • Fully Insured • Owner Installed MA Lic. #145878 octobermountain.com SEAMLESS GUTTERS Copper • Aluminum • Gutter Covers WEIGHT OF INK, continued

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WEIGHT OF INK, continued from page 26 this interview. novel The Ladies book. There’ll be a Ravi Fesner. ern Berkshire on Sunday, July 29 at RK: Awesome! Auxiliary became a AD: [laughing] Rachel, anything 10 a.m. This event is being co-sponsored [laughter] It was really bestseller but, most I haven’t asked you that you think I by the Jewish Federation of the Berk- cool. My kids were really notably for our should have? shires, and by the Jewish Women’s proud. My parents were present purposes, RK: Nothing I can think of. Besides Archive, whose executive director, Judith so proud. It was very features a char- that should save some stuff to talk Rosenbaum, will interview Rachel at the moving to be in that big acter named Avi about at the festival! event before the Q&A with the audience. ballroom full of people Dresner. So, please For tickets, and more information, who care about books tell her that one of Rachel Kadish will be appearing call Hevreh at (413) 528-6378, or visit that much, and it really her characters in- at the Berkshires’ Jewish Festival of hevreh.org. Hevreh is located at 270 brought home that terviewed you, and Books, taking place at Hevreh of South- State Road, Great Barrington. whole People of the Book that my attorney thing. will be contacting AD: You were here in her attorney about the Berkshires back in my share of the March as part of Feder- royalties. ation’s Knosh & Knowl- RK: [laughter] I edge program. How was will tell her. I’m ac- that experience, and tually one of Tova’s what can attendees characters in her expect to be different recent memoir, The when you’re here for the Book of Separation, festival in July? but I got to pick my own name. I’m RK: It was great being there, but Ariel. every book conversation is different AD: Rachel, in case you haven’t and [this time] I will be able to linger noticed, I like to find points of con- longer and have more of a Q & A. nection between me and the authors AD: Let me just say that the Berk- I interview and, in your case, I’d like shires in March is a bit like guacamole to point out that I am also an RK in without avocado – sometimes it’s sur- that I’m a Rabbi’s Kid. And, as that, I prisingly ok, but it’s usually awful. have to tell you that one of my favorite RK: [laughter] passages in the book was when Aaron AD: There are at least two other describes his rabbi father as “a man Berkshire connections to the book that standing in the middle, in thrall to I found. In the Acknowledgments. You something larger while others were in thank some local luminaries – actually thrall to him.” I have never heard a national and international ones, who more accurate or succinct description live locally – Tina Packer, the found- of the rabbinate in my life. er of Shakespeare & Co. and Carol RK: [laughter] Well, thank you. Gilligan, the feminist icon and scholar. AD: Rachel, your protagonists, What’s their connection to you and the Helen and Aaron don’t want Ester’s book? papers to end, which mirrors my own RK: Carol and her family are close feelings – and I’m sure many other friends. I have spent a lot of time out readers’ – reading your book. Alas, at her house writing. I wrote big sec- Ester’s papers must end, and your tions of this book there…and in the book must too, but I’m hoping you’ve Lenox Library. Tina’s a treasured got a lot more great writing left in you, friend also, and I know her through so what’s next for you? Carol. RK: I don’t know. I have some AD: You’re friends with another ideas, but I haven’t had the time yet incredibly accomplished novelist and with all of the book traveling, but there memoirist, Tova Mirvis, whose debut will be no Avi Dresner in the next

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As my parents planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who come after me. – Talmud Thank you to these individuals who through their gift to the Legacy Circle will ensure that the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires thrives long into the future. May your name be a Blessing, and may the example you set inspire others to create their own Jewish Legacy.

Lee & Sydelle Blatt Elaine Freidman Erna Lindner-Gilbert Lisa Fletcher-Udel Betty Braun* Eiran Gazit Amy Lindner-Lesser Edward Udel Cipora Brown Jeffrey Goldwasser & Helen Maislen* Michael & Joan Ury Barbara Cohen Jonquil Wolfson Ellen Masters Mark & Judy Usow Mark Cohen* Jordan & Laura Green Stuart Masters Henry* & Beate* Voremberg Mimi Cohen Harold Grinspoon Estelle Miller Alexandra Warshaw C. Jeffrey & Judith Cook Ellen Heffan Robert Newman* Florence Wineberg* Gerry & Lynn Denmark Ed Jaffe* Ken & Fran Rubenstein Rabbi Deborah Zecher & Jonathan & Lara Denmark Elihu Katzman Stella Schecter Rabbi Dennis Ross Anonymous (10) Sheila K. Donath Marilyn Katzman Arlene D. Schiff *Of blessed memory Ed Abrahams Melva Eidelberg Dara Kaufman Gary Schiff Norman Avnet* Monroe England, in memory of Howard & Nancy* Kaufman Stephen & Deborah Schreier Barbara Bashevkin Monroe B. & Isabel England Lawrence Klein Martin Silver Robert Bashevkin Dr. Armand V. Feigenbaum* Sarah Klein Sylvia Silverberg, in memory of Linda J. L. Becker Dr. Donald S. Feigenbaum* Arthur Kriger* Jerome Silverberg Robert Berend Steven Feiner Fred & Brenda Landes Richard A. Simons & Marcie Shelley Berend Diana & Stanley Feld Beth Laster-Nathan Greenfield Simons Helene Berke Stuart M. Fischman Andrew S. Levine* Mark & Elisa Snowise Lawrence Berke Lynn & William Foggle Toby H. Levine Harold Sparr* Page 28 Berkshire Jewish Voice • jewishberkshires.org May 29 to July 1, 2018 CULTURE AND ARTS Naharin’s Virus Israel’s Batsheva – The Young Ensemble brings the Gaga to Jacob’s Pillow this July

BECKET – From July 4 through commentator says about Gaga: “This is language of modern dance, July 8, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festi- a bomb. This is dynamite.” says Owen, and “Ohad came val welcomes Israel’s Batsheva – The The bomb went off, its influence rip- to the United States to study Young Ensemble to the Ted Shawn pling throughout the world of modern with Martha Graham. He Theatre. The company will perform dance. But exactly what Gaga is, says didn’t follow that road, but “Naharin’s Virus,” a full-length work Owen, is hard to pin down because he was steeped in it.” In the that showcases dancers steeped in “Ohad is cagey about describing it.” 1970s and 1980s, Naharin choreographer Ohad Naharin’s “Gaga” Describing the dance language, Owen also trained at the School of style of movement. says, “There is a real focus on the American Ballet and Juil- “Expect to be enveloped,” said body, and a gritty, earthy, and visceral liard, and led his own dance Norton Owen, Director of Preservation way that the body moves and the way company in New York City. at Jacob’s Pillow, in an interview with an audience receives that movement. “He took all that back to the BJV. “There is a total concept in The effect it has is immediate – people Israel,” says Owen. terms of the sound, score, and visuals feel it.” By 1975, friction between of the piece. It’s Batsheva’s founders led the Baroness The dancers convey the images that not something to to withdraw funding, and the com- Naharin devises, “but the specifics are observe from a dis- pany experienced a creative lull for left to the dancer, which lets us see tance – it involves fifteen years until Naharin’s arrival the dancers as individuals.” Naharin’s all of your sens- in 1990, which coincided with the methodology centers around “creating es.” The dancers opening of the Suzanne Dellal Center dance that has visceral impact. How are members of for Dance and Theater in Tel Aviv. he does that is his stock and trade.” Batsheva’s devel- Naharin’s work attracted younger The training that prepares dancers for opment company, audiences, and he brought the dances the jerky, often violent Gaga movement what Norton calls of other noted modern choreographers and sometimes rough-and-tumble a “boot camp for to Israel, putting Israel back on the dances, says Owen, “is not for the faint the main company dance world map. But it was Gaga of heart. He works his dancers pretty that is every bit the that catapulted Israeli dance to the hard, and that’s something that is car- equal of the main forefront of the modern dance con- ried out by his disciples,” such as cho- company.” sciousness. reographer Danielle Agami, whose Los In Mr. Gaga, the “A lot of what you see in the culture Angeles-based company Ate9 appeared 2015 film about of Israel can’t be extracted from its at the Pillow last summer. Naharin (and also dance,” says Owen, who cites compul- Owen says that Naharin keeps a the most success- sory military service as one element “cloak of secrecy” around Gaga – ful documentary in Israeli history), a The Batsheva Dance Company was contributing to the aesthetic pioneered observers are not permitted at Gaga commentator remembers how per- founded by Baroness Batsheva de by Naharin and promulgated by his classes, and Owen says he’d be curious plexed audiences rejected what they Rothschild and choreographer were seeing when Naharin introduced Martha Graham in 1964, and in its the Gaga style when he took over lead- initial heyday that lasted through the ership of the Batsheva Dance Company mid-1970s, it attracted the participa- in 1990, often leaving the theater in tion of luminaries such as Jose Limon droves. But Naharin remained con- and Jerome Robbins. Israeli dancers fident in his approach and, as the like Naharin were grounded in the

Israeli disciples, who have started to to ask Naharin how some of the style’s form their own Gaga-influenced com- idiosyncrasies are imparted to the panies. Communal life on the kibbutz dancer. He may have a chance to pose particularly influenced Naharin, who that question, as Ohad Naharin will was raised on Kibbutz Mizra in the Af- be on hand on July 7 at a PillowTalk ula/Gilboa region of northern Israel. As event starting at 4 p.m. (Getting there writer Brian Schaefer put it in a 2017 early might not be a bad idea.) There New Yorker article: “Naharin’s recent will also be pre-show talks about Gaga dances…suggest that the kibbutz and before each performance. the army are essential motifs in the More secrets might be revealed at choreographer’s work, illustrating the two free Inside/Out programs, one on tensions between the individual and June 30 and the other on July 7, both the collective, the proximity of paradise starting at 6:15 p.m. Participants at and hell.” The School at Jacob’s Pillow will con- Owen says that Naharin’s dances duct an open rehearsal where dancers are “rigorously structured, but that apply Gaga principles to deeply explore dancers have freedom within that and embody Naharin’s movement vo- structure,” leeway for the performers cabulary. that is characteristic of modern dance.

ALL PHOTOS OF “NAHARIN’S VIRUS” BY GADI DAGON / COURTESY OF JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL